Manila gov’t: Liwasang Bonifacio is freedom park, no permit needed

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila City government reiterated that the Liwasang Bonifacio was a freedom park that required no permit to be used for public assemblies as the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) mounted a rally in the plaza on Thursday, July 2.

“The city government recognizes the right of everyone to free speech here in the City of Manila,” Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said on a livestream on his social media early Thursday morning.

“Just like any other organization that expresses their grievances in public using the Liwasang Bonifacio without permission, just so we’re clear and there’s no confusion, this is a freedom park,” he noted.

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READ: From Edsa to Liwasang Bonifacio: INC rally enters 3rd day

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Likewise, in a statement posted by the Manila Public Information Office on social media late Wednesday night, city administrator Eduardo Quinto XIV said, “Liwasang Bonifacio is a government-designated freedom park.”

“As such, the Iglesia ni Cristo does not need to secure a permit to assemble peacefully in the area,” he further noted.

The INC first staged the rally at the area of the People Power Monument in Quezon City early Tuesday morning but without a permit.

The Philippine National Police previously said it could pursue but was still studying possible charges against the rally organizers for violating Batas Pambansa No. 880 or the Public Assembly Act.

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BP No. 880 states: “A written permit shall be required for any person or persons to organize and hold a public assembly in a public place.”

“However, no permit shall be required if the public assembly shall be done or made in a freedom park duly established by law or ordinance,” it added.

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The Quezon City government allowed the INC to stage its rally on Wednesday but then denied them the permit on Thursday, citing reports of students and workers affected by the protest-action.

This development prompted the INC to move to the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila for the third day of its rally on Thursday.

The INC’s action aimed to reiterate calls for accountability over government corruption and rally support for Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who faces an impending plunder case in connection with a P75-million donation to him when he was a congressman before his 2025 senatorial bid. /das

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