Quezon City allows rallies along Commonwealth Avenue, IBP Road  

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government yesterday decided to allow rallies along Commonwealth Avenue and Interim Batasan Pambansa (IBP) Road for President Marcos’ first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

Progressive groups may conduct their march and assembly along Commonwealth Avenue (eastbound) up to the corner of Tandang Sora Avenue while pro-Marcos groups will be allowed to hold their program along the IBP Road near Sinagtala street in Barangay Batasan Hills, according to a statement from the city government.

Acting on the directive of Mayor Joy Belmonte, key administrators from the city government – notably officials from the Department of Public Order and Safety, the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit and the Task Force on Transport and Traffic Management – met with Quezon City Police District director Brig. Gen. Remus Medina and Department of the Interior and Local Government-Quezon City director Manny Borromeo yesterday afternoon to discuss Bagong Alyansang Makabayan’s appeal for reconsideration after the DPOS denied Bayan’s appeal for a permit to rally along Commonwealth Avenue.

The city officials met yesterday morning with Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes Jr., Kilusang Mayo Uno leader Obet de Castro, Carlos Montemayor Jr. of the National Union of People’s Lawyers, Sanlakas leaders Flor Santos and Jose Pedrosa and Lieu Razos of the Philippine Build Better Movement.

The city government said the focal point of the discussion was how to uphold the fundamental constitutional right to freedom of peaceful assembly and free speech, while at the same time ensuring public order and safety.

Classes at all levels will be suspended on Monday as a courtesy to Marcos and to avoid inconveniencing students who may find transportation difficult.

Quezon City-based businesses are also highly encouraged to do the same or adopt work-from-home arrangements, in order to ease mobility requirements and congestion.

“We are also reminding organizers of the activities to follow minimum health protocols, such as wearing of face masks, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as well as to discipline their ranks and finish their activities on the agreed time,” the city government said.

The police agreed to exercise maximum tolerance throughout the day’s activities. - Sheila Crisostomo