Protesters clash with riot police ahead of Philippine leader's state of the nation speech

Protesters clash with police as they try to force their way closer to the House of Representatives to coincide with the last State-of-the-Nation-Address or SONA of Philippine President Benigno Aquino III at suburban Quezon city northeast of Manila, Philippines Monday, July 27, 2015. The protesters assailed the Aquino administration for its alleged failures to address the "lingering problems" of the people. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) (The Associated Press)

Philippine Representative and former first lady Imelda Marcos waits for the opening of 3rd Regular Session of the 16th Congress at the House of Representatives in suburban Quezon city, north of Manila, Philippines on Monday, July 27, 2015. Philippine President Benigno Aquino III is set to deliver his last State of the Nation Address on Monday at congress. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) (The Associated Press)

Left-wing protesters have clashed with riot policemen amid a downpour as they tried to breach a barricade of barbed wire and vehicles ahead of the Philippine president's final state of the nation address.

Police say some of the approximately 4,000 protesters started to push away the vehicles and iron railings used to block them from getting close to the House of Representatives in suburban Quezon city where President Benigno Aquino III is to deliver his speech later Monday. At least six policemen and protesters were injured when authorities used water cannon to push back the protesters, who hurled rocks and bottles at them.

Aquino is expected to report on the progress of his fight against corruption and poverty, which have persisted in his impoverished country.