EXPLAINER: What is a Freedom Park?

Rallies were held at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila and near the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City earlier this week, but only one of these needed a permit from the local city government.

The Manila City government said that the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) did not need to secure a permit to assemble as Liwasang Bonifacio is a designated Freedom Park.

Under Section 15 of Batas Pambansa No. 880 or the Public Assembly Act of 1985, every city and municipality is mandated to establish or designate at least one suitable “freedom park” in their respective jurisdiction.

It states that freedom parks shall be centrally located within the poblacion where demonstrations and meetings may be held at any time without the need of any prior permit.

This is because under Section 4, a written permit is required to organize and hold a public assembly in a public place.

The section states that no permit shall be required if the assembly will be held in a freedom park, a private property, or on the campus of a government-owned and operated educational institutions, which shall be subject to the rules and regulations of said institution.

On early Tuesday morning, Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) members gathered near the EDSA People Power Monument while a separate protest was held at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.

On Tuesday, the Quezon City government granted the INC's request for a rally along the stretch of White Plains Avenue to Temple Drive.

However, the local government said the permit may be cancelled if organizers commit violations and become disorderly.

It also decided not to extend the permit granted to the INC.—AOL, GMA News