Among the Mass attendees: Liberal Party members VP Leni Robredo, Senators Bam Aquino & Risa Hontiveros; Sen. Antonio Trillanes; fmr peace panel chief Teresita Deles; fmr CHR chair Etta Rosales pic.twitter.com/5SKFt9fDku

— Anjo Bagaoisan (@anjo_bagaoisan) July 22, 2018

MANILA -- Opposition members joined members of a lay Christian organization in a Mass at the University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman on Sunday, a day before President Rodrigo Duterte's third State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Among the personalities who attended the Mass were Vice President Leni Robredo, Senators Bam Aquino, Risa Hontiveros, and Antonio Trillanes IV, former government peace negotiator Teresita Deles, and former Human Rights chief Etta Rosales.

In his homily, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabilio slammed the proposed shift to federalism, which he believes is not the solution to the country's pressing problems. He said true leaders are like Jesus Christ, willing to lay down their lives for others.

"Hindi solusyon ang Cha-cha, ang pederalismo. Sana ang solusyon nila ay tataya sila sa mga pangako nila. Ang dami na nating narinig na magre-resign 'pag di natupad. At di naman natupad ang pangako niya," Pabilio said in a slight to President Duterte.

"Wala naman nangyari. Maniniwala pa ba tayo na kapag andito na ang pederalismo, magre-resign?" the bishop added.

Duterte vowed a shift to federalism when he was campaigning during the 2016 elections. He sees federalism as a solution to the unequal development in the country that has left several regions in poverty while Metro Manila prospers economically.

• Duterte vows to resign if 'perfect' federal system set up by 2020
• READ: Con-Com's final draft of PH federal constitution

The Mass was celebrated in line with the launch of the Purple Cross Movement initiated by lay Catholics in defense of their faith following President Duterte's remarks against God, said lawyer Ma. Aleta Tolentino, one of the group's "prime movers."

Australian nun Patricia Fox, who has been ordered deported by the Immigration, also joined the Mass. The Immigration Bureau earlier ordered Fox's deportation for supposedly violating the terms of her missionary visa.

Australian missionary Sis. Patricia Fox attended and was also prayed for at the Mass. pic.twitter.com/O2ut18CKn4

— Anjo Bagaoisan (@anjo_bagaoisan) July 22, 2018

Fr. Robert Reyes and Bro. Armin Luistro were also at the Mass in support of the group. “Kailangan natin pag-aralan how the church will not be submissive but assertive in its defense of the faith,” Reyes said.

Evangelical groups also joined the group after the Mass.

Members of the group marched to the UP Diliman Quezon Hall to meet with members of Evangelical groups. pic.twitter.com/MhvsjSvmQz

— Anjo Bagaoisan (@anjo_bagaoisan) July 22, 2018