MANILA, Philippines—Groups led by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and pro-Duterte groups will not be allowed to set up a stage near the People Power Monument on February 25 when various groups commemorate the 40th anniversary of the People Power revolution, the Quezon City government on Monday.
Elmo San Diego, the city’s Department of Public Order and Safety chief, said only the Trillion Peso March Movement (TPMM) along with the Ninoy Aquino Foundation, Tindig Pilipinas and Church Leaders Council for National Transformation would be allowed to put up a stage behind the monument located at EDSA corner White Plains Avenues to gather and celebrate the historic event.
San Diego clarified with The Manila Times that the city government no longer has jurisdiction over the EDSA Shrine, because it is at the tri-boundaries of San Juan, Mandaluyong, and Pasig cities, under the Eastern Police District.
He said Bayan was among the five groups that applied for a permit but they could not agree to be in one place together.
“We wanted that only one stage should be set up for all of them, since we could not allow them to have their own stage at PPM for security reasons. So finally, only the TPMM and the three others were given a permit,” said San Diego.
“If you wish the government to fall, why should you be given a permit? If the direction of your rally is short of being seditious, definitely, we will not give you a permit,” the city official said.
“Also, based on the assessment of QCPD, it is not right and is dangerous if there are groups that have records and whose members have been in jail. Definitely, we would not give them a permit,” he added.
Mayor Joy Belmonte denied reports that the city government has banned the carrying of placards and streamers.
“The city government’s primary concern is only to secure the area and keep it peaceful and orderly while the people are celebrating the historic event and expressing their rights at the same time,” Belmonte said.