Manila city govt 'schedules' use of freedom parks for May 1

The Manila city government on Friday has scheduled the use of at least five "freedom parks" in the city for protest actions by various groups for May 1. The "Freedom Park" in front of Gate 6 in Malacañang and Mendiola are not on the list. Mendiola had been declared a no-rally zone since last year. Radio station DZBB said the city government allowed both labor groups and supporters of former President Joseph Estrada to use the four freedom parks this Monday. It said the parks are located near the Manila City Hall, the Moriones Park in Tondo, the Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, and Liwasang Bonifacio near the Post Office, and Plaza Salamanca near the corner of T.M. Kalaw and Taft Avenue. Citing information from City Hall, DZBB said Liwasang Bonifacio will likely host the most activities, both by labor groups and supporters of Estrada and the late Fernando Poe Jr. Other labor groups have been permitted to use Plaza Salamanca and Plaza Miranda. City Hall said it has ordered police to "practice maximum tolerance" in dealing with the protesters, whom it said had promised to disperse peacefully after their activity.-GMANews.TV