Bunye: Designated rally parks uphold right to free expression

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye on Tuesday said that critics should not view the designation of freedom parks a restriction to the right to free expression, "but as guarantees that national and local governments will always uphold this right." "The designation of more freedom parks is a welcome development for both government and civil society because it ensures peaceful assemblies that are not disruptive of the daily routines of a wide segment of the urban population," Bunye said The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Labor Day identified 12 freedom parks where protest rallies may be staged with or without permits. The parks include Plaza Miranda, Plaza Dilao, Plaza Moriones and Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila; Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City; LRT Westside in Grace Park, Caloocan City; Veterans Park in Navotas; the park in front of the Valenzuela City hall; Pinaglabanan Park in San Juan; Plaza Rizal in Pasig City; the City Hall Freedom Park in Marikina City; and the corner of Paseo de Roxas St. and Makati Avenue in Makati City. DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno, however, said that Malacañang and areas within its vicinity including the Don Chino Roces (formerly Mendiola) Bridge would remain off-limits to protesters. –GMANews.TV