No rally within 2 kms Batasang Pambansa on SONA day
2013-Jul-16 17:37
2025-Jan-09 11:51
Protest rallies are banned within the two-kilometer zone of the House of Representatives in Quezon City on July 22 when Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his fourth State-of-the-Nation Address, government officials say.
During a dialogue with police and Quezon City officials at the Sulo Hotel, militant groups expressed their disappointment on the security plans for the upcoming SONA.
Freedom from Debt Coalition Secretary General lawyer Aaron Pedrosa said the two-kilometer demarcation line for holding protests is an "overkill" and should be withdrawn.
"Kung wala naman palang security risk, bakit kailangan malayo?" Pedrosa said.
Sanlakas Spokesperson Rasti Delizo said he had beenattending such dialogues in the past but their inputs were never considered by authorities.
Delizo said they wanted to hold a rally in front of the the HoR even with or without permit from the Quezon City government.
"Why not allow protesters near Batasan? Why not open the north gate for demonstrations?" he asked.
Some militant groups have complained of the inaction of the city government to grant their request for a permit to rally.
They claimed that failure to act on their request is tantamount to the automatic grant of a permit.
But city officials maintained that the Batasan Road and nearby areas will be a "no rally" zone.
Ricardo Radovan, sergeant-at-arms of the HoR, said the north gate will be closed for demonstrations because it is used as an entrance for dignitaries.
For his part, Police Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo Jr, regional director of the National Capital Region Police Office, said security preparations laid out on SONA day is "for the safety of everybody."
"Our agenda is plain and simple – peace and order. We're not your enemies. We know your rights but there must be limitations. Let it be said that we at PNP will do what is right for peace and order," Garbo said.
At least 8,000 policemen will be deployed to secure the House of Representatives on July 22, the NCRPO earlier said. (PNA)