Quezon City gov't OKs Trillion Peso March protest on Feb. 25 EDSA anniv

The Quezon City government granted access to the entire one-kilometer stretch of White Plains Avenue to the organizers of the "Trillion Peso March" on February 25, the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.

Elmo San Diego, head of the Quezon City (QC) Department of Public Order and Safety, said Friday this would be different from the previous setup wherein some motor vehicles could still pass the thoroughfare.

"We're practically giving the whole stretch of White Plains talaga. One kilometer long, kaliwa't kanan," San Diego said in a press conference.

(We're practically giving the whole stretch of White Plains. One kilometer long, left and right.)

"Pero sabi ko nga, kaysa hatiin pa natin just like before, nagiging challenge sa atin 'yung traffic. So this early, sinasabi ko ibibigay na natin doon sa grupo na humingi ng permit both lanes," he added.

(But as I said if we divide it just like before, traffic will become a challenge for us. So this early, I'm saying we'll give both lanes to the group that asked for a permit.)

San Diego said an advisory on rerouting schemes will be released soon.

The QC official made the statement following a walk-through inspection by the organizers and authorities on White Plains Avenue in preparation for the protest.

Authorities reminded organizers and attendees to comply with the memorandum of agreement signed with the city government. 

Prohibited activities include burning materials, using excessively loud sound systems in consideration of nearby residential areas and camps, and bringing of dangerous items.

The city government also reiterated its plastic-free policy.

San Diego said they expect between 30,000 and 50,000 participants, lower than the initial projection of 100,000 as some groups opted to hold separate rallies in other venues.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) earlier announced that it will be on full alert beginning February 21 in preparation for the upcoming EDSA People Power anniversary rites and the planned Trillion Peso March protests. 

Since February 25 is a special working holiday, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) advised participants to use the Manila Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) instead of bringing private vehicles.

"Kung magdadala po sila ng sasakyan, make sure na ipa-park po 'yung kanilang mga sasakyan doon sa allowed parking areas namin along Temple Drive," MMDA traffic enforcement group director Victor Nuñez said.

(If they bring a vehicle, make sure to park their vehicles in our allowed parking areas along Temple Drive.)

"So 'yung mga ibang lalahok po coming from different provinces na nakasakay sa mga bus, meron daw kaming coordination sa mga organizers that we will allow doon sa may Bonny Serrano to park buses," he added.

(So for the other participants coming from different provinces who are riding buses, we have coordination with the organizers that we will allow them to park buses at Bonny Serrano.)

MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III said ancillary services will be provided, including portable toilets, ambulances, medical personnel, fire suppression units, and other emergency response services.

"We just hope that everything is done within the bounds of the law and the laws of decency. And leaving certain is decency para sa lahat ay makapag-express kung anong gusto nila sabihin (so everyone can express what they want to say)," Torre said. — VDV, GMA Integrated News