People Power 40th anniversary: Those with permits may gather, no group banned —QC

The Quezon City local government said on Sunday that groups may conduct programs within the city’s jurisdiction for the commemoration of the EDSA People Power Revolution's 40th anniversary on Feb. 25, as long as they have the necessary permits. 

In a statement, the local government said that among the programs they authorized on Wednesday is the Trillion Peso March Movement. 

READ: What to expect at the Trillion Peso March on February 25

“Matapos ang pagsusuri sa mga isinumiteng dokumento at kaukulang koordinasyon, pinahintulutan ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ang Trillion Peso March Movement, sa pangunguna ni G. Francis 'Kiko' Dee, na magsagawa ng kanilang aktibidad sa loob ng nasasakupan ng Quezon City,” the Quezon City government said. 

(After reviewing the submitted documents and coordinating accordingly, the City Government has authorized the Trillion Peso March Movement, led by Mr. Francis ‘Kiko’ Dee, to conduct their activity within the jurisdiction of Quezon City.) 

“Nililinaw ng Pamahalaang Lungsod na walang grupong ‘hindi pinayagan’ batay sa kanilang paninindigan,” it added. 

(The City Government clarifies that there is no group that was ‘disallowed’ based on their stance or beliefs.) 

The LGU's clarification came after the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said that it would implement a "no permit, no rally" policy for groups planning activities for the People Power anniversary, while Koalisyon Makabayan said it plans to push through with its protest, with or without a permit.

Several schools in the metro have already announced the suspension of classes on that day, which was declared a special working day.

The Quezon City government has also advised motorists to expect heavy traffic on five thoroughfares on that day.

Different jurisdictions

Meanwhile, programs at the EDSA-Ortigas area already fall under the jurisdiction of the Mandaluyong City Government and Eastern Police District, the Quezon City government said. 

“Ang mga naging hakbang ng lokal na pamahalaan ay alinsunod sa umiiral na batas at territorial jurisdiction. When the proposed venue is outside Quezon City, it is our duty to refer the organizers to the proper authorities,” it said.

Further, the QC government clarified that it is not prohibiting placards during the programs. 

“Wala ring katotohanan na ipinagbawal ng lokal na pamahalaan ang pagdadala ng mga placard, o may tangka na kontrolin ang kanilang kalayaang magpahayag ng damdamin,” it said. 

(There is also no truth to [claims] that the local government prohibited the carrying of placards, or that there is an attempt to control their freedom to express their sentiments.) 

“Ang tanging interes ng lokal na pamahalaan ay mapanatili ang kaayusan sa pagtitipon habang nagpapahayag sila ng kanilang saloobin ng naaayon sa batas.” 

(There is also no truth to [claims] that the local government prohibited the carrying of placards, or that there is an attempt to control their freedom to express their sentiments.)

The organizers of the Trillion Peso March already said that calls for violence or political takeover will not be allowed at the event.  — BM, GMA Integrated News