INC rally on July 1 gets permit from Quezon City gov’t

MANILA, Philippines — The demonstration being mounted by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) in Quezon City has been given a permit by the local government.

According to a copy of the permit sent to the Inquirer, the Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety said it had no objection to the organizer’s proposal to hold a rally along White Plains Avenue from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1.

The organizer named on the permit is INC Minister Eraño Codera, reportedly a key figure in the religious sect, who was represented by a lawyer.

Article continues after this advertisement

“This permit is officially recognized provided, however, the time and location specified above shall be strictly followed and holding the rally in any place other than that indicated herein constitute a prohibited act under Section 13 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 880 and may be subject to appropriate legal action,” it read.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

“Likewise, your activity should not impede the security measures being implemented by the Quezon City Police District and the Law and Order cluster of the city and the normal flow of traffic during the entire activity,” it added.

The permit stated that the organizers estimated 100,000 participants to attend.

The INC first organized the rally early Tuesday morning at the corner of the Epifanio delos Santos Avenue and White Plains Avenue to express support for Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who faces an impending plunder case over an alleged undeclared campaign donation.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) previously said the rally on Tuesday did not have a permit and, thus, could be in violation of Batas Pambansa No. 880, which requires public assemblies to have a permit if held outside a freedom park.

Article continues after this advertisement

During the demonstration, several buses carrying rallyists moved to block all northbound lanes of Edsa for 30 minutes, before they moved back to their positions along White Plains Avenue, allowing traffic flow in one lane.

Among the conditions of the July 1 permit were that “no total road closure will be undertaken during the duration of the activity;” and that “the cleanliness and orderliness of the area shall be maintained at all times.”

Article continues after this advertisement

“This clearance may be revoked or cancelled in case of emergency or when the public interest so demands, as a result of non-compliance with any of the conditions stated,” the permit further read. /apl

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.