Manila City Mayor Lito Atienza said yesterday he would not be issuing any rally permits to any group tomorrow so as not to mar the celebration of the 434th Araw ng Maynila.
Atienza issued the statement amid early pronouncements by several groups, including militant workers’ organizations, tenant farmers, government personnel and professionals that they would be holding protest actions on the 24th.
The groups intend to first hold a Mass at the Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City before marching toward Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, according to earlier reports.
"We respectfully request those who are planning to hold rallies to also respect the Araw ng Maynila. We cannot allow them to hold activities on this special day, not even in Mendiola and Liwasang Bonifacio, which are often used as venues for demonstrations," Atienza said.
The mayor said the rallyists should not accuse him of suppressing their freedom to express their opinion.
"Last June 11, they held a rally and I even provided them with a stage to show support to their freedom of expression," he pointed out.
The mayor had given in to other previous requests to hold demonstrations in the city.
Just recently, he allowed the group of Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez to hold the National Day of Mourning at Liwasang Bonifacio. The event was attended by some 5,000 people from the opposition and religious-affiliated groups.
He instructed Emmanuel Sison, secretary to the mayor, to also explain the local government’s position to the rallyists so as to avoid any misunderstanding.
In a related development, the mayor led yesterday the opening of the three-day "Grill-ah in Manila" at the Escolta Wharf along the Pasig Riverwalk as part of the Araw ng MAynila celebration.
The biggest barbeque festival in Metro Manila has 100 food stalls selling grilled food, from Filipino favorites to western and Asian fusion.
Food outlets from Century Park Hotel, Aristocrat, Café Adriatico, Ilonggo Grill and Aling Nene’s Barbecue are also participating in the grill fest.
Top artists and bands would also be performing from 6 p.m. until midnight.
At the Baywalk along Roxas Boulevard, there will be a fireworks display at 8 p.m. tomorrow.
The city has also organized a free concert at the Rajah Sulayman Park, which will be hosted by Phoemela Barranda, Chynna Ortaleza and Troy Montero.