Protests vs corruption readied in 22 PH areas
As protesters geared for the indignation rallies at Luneta and Edsa on Sunday, other groups readied their own protests against corruption in at least 22 areas across the country.
There were smaller, spontaneous demonstrations in other parts of the country and most of them were concluded without issue, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
There were also instances when public rage was palpable.
In Pampanga on Thursday, an activist group started throwing mud at the regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the City of San Fernando because of failed and questionable projects.
The protesters cited the Candating Flood Control Project in Arayat, repeatedly funded with P273 million, and the P254-million Arayat Riverbank Project, which collapsed just four years after completion.
PNP chief Lieutenant General Melencio Nartatez Jr. urged protesters to abide by the law in their demonstrations which are meant to deplore official corruption and lawbreaking.
He said law enforcers understand and share the people’s anger, but police officers also have jobs and duties to fulfill.
Nartatez said Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla has already ordered policemen to be more lenient about protests without the necessary permits.
But the PNP asked protesters to voluntarily disperse after their scheduled rallies to avoid unnecessary trouble or injuries.
The PNP has deployed around 50,000 personnel nationwide to ensure the safety and order of the demonstrations.
At press time, at least nine of the 22 were scheduled to coincide with the Luneta rally on Sunday morning.
They will be at Plaza Rizal in Naga City, Fuente Osmeña in Cebu City, Imelda Boulevard in Virac, Catanduanes, the Baguio Convention Center in Baguio City, Calapan City in Oriental Mindoro, Mamburao in Occidental Mindoro: 9 a.m. Kalayaan Park in Legazpi City, Aurora Park in Laoag City and RTR Plaza in Tacloban City, Leyte: 12:40 p.m.
The 13 other protests are scheduled to coincide with the Sunday afternoon protest at the Edsa shrines.
They will be at the San Fernando City plaza in La Union, Plaza Heneral Santos in General Santos City, Bacolod City plaza, Rizal Park in Tuguegarao City, Freedom Park in Davao City, Borongan City plaze, Plaza Rizal in Tagbilaran City, Santo Entierro St. in Angeles City, Jaro Plaza in Iloilo City, Roxas City bandstand, St. John the Evangelist Cathedral in Dagupan City, St. Rose of Lima Parish in Lingayen and St. James the Apostle Parish in Santiago City.
Meanwhile, the transport group Manibela released on Friday the pickup points for its “Libreng Sakay,” or free rides, for those who want to join the protests on Sunday.
In a Facebook post on Friday, Manibela said the free rides for the 9 a.m. rally at Luneta Park, called “Baha sa Luneta,” will be available from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Manibela added that jeepney drivers will put a “Libreng Sakay” placard on their jeepneys for protesters to easily identify them and avail themselves of the free rides.
From Quezon City, the pickup points to Luneta will be at SM Fairview/Robinsons Novaliches, Shell Villaflor Novaliches, Ayala Malls Balintawak (Along A. Bonifacio Ave), Commonwealth Ave. Litex, Commonwealth Ave. Philcoa, Welcome Rotonda, Munoz Market and the LRT-2 Araneta-Cubao Station.
From Valenzuela City, the Valenzuela City People’s Park and SM City Valenzuela.
From Marikina City, Ayala Malls Feliz and Marikina Sports.
From Muntinlupa City, the Alabang Starmall and Alabang Barangay Hall
Outside of Metro Manila to Luneta, there will be free rides from Carmona Terminal, Biñan Terminal, Gen. Mariano Alvarez Terminal, SM City Dasmariñas, Zapote Road in Bacoor, Sta. Rosa Balibago Terminal, Puregold Cabuyao, Calamba Terminal, Angono Jeepney Terminal, Taytay Jeepney Terminal, Binangonan Jeepney Terminal and Kapitolyo, Antipolo City
After the rally at Luneta Park, Manibela said it will then offer free rides from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for participants in “A Trillion Peso March” afternoon rally, which will be held at the Edsa Shrine.
