Rallying groups assure to follow city rules

CEBU, Philippines - A number of cause oriented groups are expected to hit the streets in Cebu today as President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Manila.

Councilor David Tumulak, chairman of the City Council’s committee on public order and safety, said the city respects the groups’ right to assembly and air their grievances publicly, as long as they do not disrupt public order and compromise safety.

“Kita sa city government, they (rallyists) are all welcome to express sa ilahang sentiments during the SONA of the president but they should have to follow the protocol, they should follow the ordinances,” Tumulak said.

The groups are allowed to gather in front of Metro Gaisano mall at the corner of Colon Street and Juan Luna Street downtown.

Among those expected to join the rally are the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON) and the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP).

At least, for now, PISTON’s concerns are centered on the move to phase out public utility jeepneys and the implementation of the P16.9 billion Cebu Bus Rapid (BRT) project, which is seen to displace jeepney drivers.

Meanwhile, KMP’s cause in centered on agrarian reform.

Tumulak said the groups have agreed during a consultative meeting last Friday that they will adhere to the city’s traffic rules and other relevant ordinances.

“One, they should observe traffic laws, the anti-littering. Dili maghugaw-hugaw ana ilahang basura, ibutang gyud sa ilahang service vehicles… and then no back pack. All back packs ibutang sa service vehicles para sa paglikay nga duna unya’y outsider nga magbinoang ba,” Tumulak said.

At least 10 Kaohsiung buses and Ceres buses will be on standby at South Road Properties to ferry commuters that may be affected.

Policemen will also be deployed at the rally venue.

Francisco Ouano, operations chief of the Cebu City Transportation Office, told The Freeman at least 100 enforcers will man the traffic in the city today.

Thoughts

Meanwhile, three city councilors shared their expectations from today’s SONA.

Councilor Jose Daluz III said he expects the President to still tackle federalism, his war against drugs, and martial law.

Councilor Raymond Alvin Garcia shares the same opinion.

“Duterte has made our country safe again. Whether it is his war against drugs or his decisiveness in declaring Martial Law and as a consequence decimating the propagation of radical Islamic terrorism on the Philippines, this president has instilled a sense of safety and security throughout our land, which explains his 82 percent approval rating,” he said.

“With safety and security, economic growth and prosperity can and will follow, which is why I look forward to Duterte's second year because I anticipate that after peace and order, prosperity and progress will be next in his agenda,” Garcia added.

Aside from drugs and martial law, Councilor Sisinio Andales said the president may also announce that there will be no barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. (FREEMAN)