PSG grants public access to Palace gates

MANILA, Philippines - The Presidential Security Group (PSG) yesterday granted public access to some of Malacañang’s gates, allowing motorists and pedestrians to go through the historic Mendiola Street in Manila.

The PSG, however, clarified they would still strictly impose the number coding scheme inside the complex as well as the no jaywalking policy.

The PSG closed the gate leading to the Premier Guest House since President Aquino is holding office there.

Pedestrians, even the media, have to pass through the Kalayaan gate, a distance away from the New Executive Building where journalists covering the presidential beat have been staying.

PSG chief Col. Ramon Dizon explained that “we relaxed some (traffic rules) but tightened others” because the President’s security must be the primary consideration.

Dizon said the Area 1 gate leading to the Premier Guest House was open before because former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was holding office and living inside the Palace.

“There are things we can talk about and relax but we have to tighten security in the area where the President (Mr. Aquino) stays most of the time. People can’t come and go there,” Dizon said.

“But we have removed the check points and even the barriers on the side of the roads,” he said.

Based on the traffic advisory of the PSG, a new traffic scheme inside the complex was implemented beginning yesterday.

J.P. Laurel street is now open to motorists with car pass but public utility vehicles are still not allowed to pass in front of the Palace area.

Mendiola gate is also open now but for exit only. This gate had been closed during the time of Arroyo because of the coup threats and rallies against her administration.

The designated loading and unloading area and U-turn slot is at the Little President Learning Center (LPLC); drop off and pick up point for St. Jude students is inside St. Jude Church compound; loading and unloading for St. Jude students and Office of the President personnel is at Mendiola parking area; pedestrian lane is in front of LPLC and St. Jude Church area.

“No jaywalking will be imposed along St. Jude and LPLC area,” the PSG said.