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Former president Fidel Ramos said Sunday that despite the volume, Friday's interfaith rally in Makati City that called on President Arryo's resignation is already a beginning but has a long way to go before it musters enough numbers to force the Chief Executive out of office.

"You must not jump into any conclusion just because it was seemingly well attended. There was a lot of energy but if you’re looking at previous people power events that were successful, resulting in the regime change, I think we are just beginning," Ramos, one of Mrs. Arroyo's political allies, said.

Ramos was referring to two previous popular revolts that resulted in the ouster of former presidents Ferdinand Marcos in 1986 and Joseph Estrada in 2001.

"We are still [not] there. We still have a long way to go. I hope you listen to the homily. It’s all about the truth," said Ramos, who stood as one of the godfathers at the wedding of retired Philippine National Police chief Arturo Lomibao and Jacky Tiu at the Manila Cathedral Sunday.

Mrs. Arroyo was also a co-sponsor during the wedding. She, however, immediately left after the ceremonies while Ramos lingered on.

Earlier, several caused-oriented groups said they are preparing for another big mass action on March 8 to coincide with the International Women’s Day following the success of last week's rally in Makati.

Renato Reyes, secretary-general of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN), said the protest action will be led by women's group Gabriela and other organizations who want Mrs. Arroyo out of Malacañang.

Reyes said they are still discussing the venue because authorities might try to block participants from going to the site.

The BAYAN official added that they will be meeting with other groups on Monday to iron out all the plans and strategies to avoid being delayed at police checkpoints for the March 8 demonstration.

Reyes said the rally organizers are also set to whether they will let Estrada and former president Corazon Aquino deliver their respective speeches during the event.

The two former presidents are among those calling for Mrs. Arroyo's resignation because of numerous allegations of corruption against her administration.
Police estimated that the crowd at Friday’s rally at more than 10,000 while organizers said it was 80,000.

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