Manila  - Anti-government protests marked the 61st birthday of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Saturday, with activists renewing their calls for the scandal-tainted leader to resign.

Members of the leftist New Patriotic Alliance (BAYAN) marched near the Malacanang presidential palace in downtown Manila carrying placards with their birthday wish for Arroyo: Resign Now.

The group spoofed a popular Filipino birthday song changing the lyrics to "We hope you will resign soon."

Another group held an "anti-Arroyo birthday party" at a restaurant in suburban city of Quezon.

"We're sorry we cannot share in the joy of the president on her birthday," Renato Reyes, BAYAN secretary general, said. "The nation is besieged with problems, there's really no reason to celebrate on this day."

"We are faced with a serious food crisis, oil crisis and continuing political crisis," Reyes added. "Justice remains elusive for human rights victims."

Various Filipino overseas worker organizations have also called for a "zero remittance day" in time for Arroyo's birthday to protest the alleged corruption in the government.

Arroyo did not schedule any activity for the day, and close aides said she stayed with her family at the Malacanang presidential palace.

Arroyo has been hounded with calls for her resignation over allegations of massive corruption and electoral fraud.

The Philippines is facing spiralling costs for basic commodities and a looming rice shortage, the country's staple food. Poverty has also remained widespread despite record economic growths.

Arroyo has denied accusations of corruption and electoral fraud and has vowed to stay in power until her term ends in 2010. (dpa)