"Hakot" crowd, where are they?

As I read one of the Inquirer's story yeaterday, I was intigued by a certain part of the story saying "No Hakot visible". It was written that the usual ubiquitous "hakot" crowd from the nearest slums were nowhere near the upper gallery nor at the side lobbies where they ate their packed lunch on previous Sonas.

Questions rapidly bothered my mind. Where are these people--the masses? Why are they not part of GMA's audience?

While I watch President Arroyo's State of the Nation Address on monday, I noticed that Arroyo's audience composed mostly of men and women who are high in profile. I thought, GMA's SONA was intended for celebrities (Politicians, known people and other important guests). Though covered by various television networks to make Filipinos not in the scene able to watch the important event, I think it was not for the masses, it's for GMA's supporters only.

The President should've considered the presence of the masses in the venue of her speech. Another thing that made her SONA exclusive for prominent people is the very tight security being imposed as the event is held. I have learned in yesterday's Inquirer issue that the security outside and inside the venue was very tight. No one was allowed to go out and inside while the speech is being delivered. I can agree that it's for the President's security but how can an ordinary Filipino get inside and hear the SONA personally when this was the situation.

The invisible "hakot" crowd may imply that the President didn't give importance to the masses-- the little people who,ideally, should be rendered with her services.