EDSA traffic stalls as groups gather for protest

Unidentified groups gathered along the EDSA People Power Monument, which resulted in heavy traffic on Tuesday morning.

The groups started gathering around 2 am, according to EJ Gomez' report on Unang Balita.

At 4 am, the MMDA announced on its Facebook page that approximately 500 rallyists and 30 vehicles were marching toward EDSA White Plains.

At 5:15, MMDA announced that White Plains eastbound and westbound were "temporarily closed to traffic."

"Expect slow moving traffic in the area. Motorists are advised to expect delays and take alternate routes when possible," MMDA said.

It remains unclear what the protest is about, but some of the participants wore white t-shirts with the words "transparency and accountability."

At 6 am, MMDA said that a single lane in EDSA White Plains northbound has been opened to motorists.

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The police have also yet to release a statement about the event.

Security measures have been placed in the area.

Two individuals, meanwhile, were reportedly arrested after supposedly hitting a cop during the protest.

Spotted in this morning's protest was Rep. Leandro Leviste.

A gathering was also reported in Manila on Tuesday morning. It remains unclear if both events are related.

Marcos monitoring EDSA rally

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has canceled his scheduled appearance at the presidential luncheon hosted by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) on Tuesday to monitor the situation on EDSA, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

In a message relayed to FOCAP’s Board of Trustees, Acting PCO Secretary Dave Gomez said the President would no longer attend the event.

“The President is canceling his appearance at today’s Presidential Luncheon to monitor the situation on EDSA,” Gomez said.

The event, billed as a dialogue between Marcos and members of the foreign press, was set to take place at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

Following the advisory, FOCAP announced that the luncheon would be rescheduled.

Maximum tolerance

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has said that it has directed the Philippine National Police (PNP), local government units, to exercise maximum tolerance and implement appropriate security and traffic management measures

"The DILG calls on all participants and stakeholders to exercise their rights responsibly, uphold the rule of law, and cooperate with authorities throughout the activity," said the DILG.

"The Department remains committed to protecting public safety while upholding the constitutional freedoms of every Filipino," it added. —VAL, GMA News