Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has vowed to sustain the momentum of his controversial anti-drug campaign. Human rights groups say at least 12-thousand have been killed since the campaign was launched in 2016. Thousands rallied in Manila to protest the crackdown and a plan to rewrite the constitution. Our correspondent Barnaby Lo has details.  

After two years in office, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte faces growing discontent. On Monday, thousands poured onto this highway leading to the House of Representatives where the populist leader was to deliver his annual State of the Nation address.

RENATO REYES NEW PATRIOTIC ALLIANCE "They want answers and solutions to the worsening crisis of the Philippine economy. They want solutions to human rights abuses. They want solutions to violations of national sovereignty and not a self-serving exercise that will keep the ruling elite in power."

Duterte remained unfazed by opposition to his signature anti-illegal drugs campaign, however.

RODRIGO DUTERTE PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT "The illegal drugs war will not be sidelined, instead it will be as relentless and chilling, if you will, as on the day it began."

Earlier in the day, former President Gloria Arroyo, who at one point was detained on corruption charges, was sworn in as the first woman to serve as speaker of the House of Representatives. She took the post in the middle of a presidential term by unseating Pantaleon Alvarez, despite last minute moves to block her. That left lawmakers with no time to ratify a much touted law that would create a new autonomous region in the southern part of the country.

RODRIGO DUTERTE PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT "When the approved version is transmitted and received by my office, the law has been passed actually and I intend to, give me 48 hours, to sign it."

Outside, protesters say the divisions within Duterte's ranks prove their point, and that they're more united now than ever. Barnaby Lo, CGTN, Manila.