QC gov't junks Bayan's permit to rally

MANILA, Philippines – The Quezon City government has denied the request of militant group Bayan to hold a protest action and program near the Batasang Pambansa complex where President Benigno Aquino III will deliver his 4th State of the Nation Address during the opening of the 16th Congress on July 22.

Instead, the local government proposed that the protesters hold their rally at the park near the city hall.

Bayan earlier filed an application for a permit to rally, asking the Quezon City government that protesters be allowed to hold a rally at the corner of Batasan Road and Commonwealth Avenue during the SONA.

Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes said the group's legal counsels are now discussing the group's next move.

Reyes said the decision to deny the permit to rally application is an "arbitrary action" by the Quezon City government with pressure from Malacañang.

"Parang panahon uli ni GMA na ayaw kilalanin ang karapatang magprotesta at gustong ipagtabuyan ang mga tao papalayo sa SONA ni Aquino. Patunay muli na matapos ang tatlong taon, wala talagang pagbabago," he said.

He said Bayan will push through with its massive protest rally on Monday.