FPJ decries non-issuance of rally permit in Manila

Fernando Poe Jr., standard bearer of the Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP), slammed the Manila government’s decision not to issue a rally permit to the coalition’s grand rally in the city scheduled last night, saying the mayor did not merely harass his party but the public as well.

"That’s harassment. Dapat patas sa labanan. Kung magpapakita sila ng ganun, I think hindi tama yun. Hindi lang naman kami ang hina-harass dun kundi ang taong bayan, "Poe told reporters when asked for his comment about the aborted rally.

Apparently the last to know of the development at the KNP, Poe was surprised to learn from reporters that the rally was cancelled.

Poe was supposed to attend the rally in Bustillos, Sampaloc to proclaim the KNP’s local candidates in the city, led by former Mayor Mel Lopez.

Lopez accused Manila Mayor Lito Atienza of being biased.

Lopez accused Atienza, campaign manager of President Arroyo in Metro Manila, as being biased.

Lopez said their supporters had put up a stage in the area but City Hall employees started tearing it down due to the absence of a permit.

Atienza’s spokesman Arman Sebastian explained that the KNPs application for a permit to hold a political rally in Bustillos was disapproved due to a different consideration.

"Bustillos is a very busy area and holding a political rally there would surely cause monstrous traffic jams in the city," Sebastian said.

When the application was turned down, the permits bureau suggested to the KNP party to hold their political rally in Santol, Sta. Mesa, also part of the city’s fourth district.

The bureau usually consults with the Traffic Management Group and the Western Police District before it issues permits for political activities, especially when the flow of vehicles is affected. — Nikko Dizon, Cecille Suerte Felipe