While President Benigno Aquino III readies himself for his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in the hallowed halls of Congress along Commonwealth Avenue, the crowds gather to show the other side of the nation’s state from their eyes. And with each applause the President gets, a fury rings among the crowds, clamoring for their voices to be truly heard.

Photos by Ranel Ram Cheng and Raine Calucag

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Progressive groups march towards the People’s SONA along Commonwealth Avenue. Groups representing workers and employees, farmers, youth, women, human rights advocates, among others, have expressed dismay over President Aquino’s inaction in key issues, leading to a decrease in his satisfaction ratings. RANEL RAM CHENG