Mayor Binay upholds freedom to demonstrate

Last Monday, Makati Mayor Jejomar C. Binay dismissed petitions asking that Makati ban all demonstrations in the country’s financial capital. At the same time, he initiated safeguards that will help prevent a repeat of the violent dispersal that took place last week after anti-administration demonstrations refused to abide by the 5 p.m. deadline set in their permit to rally. From here on, all rallies must end at 4 p.m.

We would like to make suggestions for all Metro Manila mayors to consider. First and foremost, we believe that in all Metro Manila, mayors should designate fixed places where demonstrators can rally. In Makati, for instance, we don’t see why the rallies should be held right at the financial center. Why should any rally that is not directed against the financial center itself be held there? It disrupts the traffic and affects all the areas around because traffic has to be totally rerouted. Yes, people have a right to demonstrate but it should be in places that have a bearing with the demonstration and will not cause a disturbance of order. Any rally held in the financial center will turn off foreign investors.

Last week’s rally was directed against the President and Davide. Unfortunately, tear gas and water cannons had to be used after the rallyists refused to comply with the condition in their permit which called for their dispersal by 5 p.m. Why should the financial center bear the brunt of tear gas and water cannons in a rally against the President and Davide? Logically, Makati should not have allowed that rally in the financial center. That rally should have been held in front of Malacañang and the Supreme Court.

What we are suggesting for study is the designation of places where groups can demonstrate and that will serve the purpose of the demonstrators but will not have any adverse effect on the everyday activities of workers who have to go to their places of employ and students who have to got to school.

If the workers in Oakwood or Intercon Hotel were on strike, there would be reason why they would demonstrate outside their premises, but there is absolutely no justifiable reason why their premises should be the standard place for demonstrations that are not even directed to Makati business firms or City Hall.

We completely support Mayor Binay’s decision not to allow demonstrations to go beyond 4 p.m. We suggest he go further by studying fair and logical rules designating just where people can demonstrate. In short, a place where it will do the greatest good for the greatest number. Traffic is now a major problem in Metro Manila. Demonstrations should, whenever possible, be allowed only where they cause minimum disturbance in the main arteries of the cities.