Several activist groups expressed frustration over Manila Police District's restrictions on protests in Luneta Park, citing the absence of a permit on Nov. 30.
The Manila Police District (MPD) said, “Doon po kasi sa Liwasang Bonifacio malaya po sila mag-ingay doon at hindi po namin sila irerequire na magkaroon ng permit (Because at Liwasang Bonifacio they are free to make noise there, and we will not require them to have a permit).”
The MPD explained that some groups did not present the required permit from the Manila Parks and Development Committee (MPDC), which is mandated under the Public Assembly Act (Batas Pambansa Blg. 880).
Authorities emphasized that protests are prohibited in Luneta Park, Kilometer Zero, and along major roads to prevent public inconvenience and potential disturbances. In a statement, the MPD also said that “Patuloy na hinikayat ng MPD ang lahat ng organisasyon at indibidwal na makipag-ugnayan at sundin ang mga itinakdang regulasyon upang matiyak na ang kanilang mga aktibidad ay magiging maayos, ligtas, at alinsunod sa batas (The MPD continues to encourage all organizations and individuals to coordinate and comply with the established regulations to ensure that their activities are orderly, safe, and in accordance with the law).”
One of the groups was BAYAN, which said the police blocked preparations for the protest: “The setting up of the stage and road closure should have been done as early as 12 a.m., but the Manila police prevented our team and insists that protests are prohibited in Luneta.”
The group emphasized that previous protests had been conducted without permits, saying, “There was no permit given to us on September 21, but the protest was conducted in Luneta. Today's protest is coordinated with both the Manila LGU and MMDA. In fact, road closures have been publicly announced already by both agencies. Even MMDA portalets have arrived, which proves that the protest is planned beforehand in coordination with authorities.”
BAYAN criticized the heavy security presence, claiming it was a deliberate attempt to intimidate participants.
“We believe the ongoing attempt to derail the Luneta protest is linked to the overkill, unnecessary, disproportionate, and paranoid security preparations around the vicinity of Recto, Mendiola, and Malacanang,” the group said.
They added that these measures are aimed at discouraging participation and suppressing calls to hold President Marcos Jr. accountable for alleged large-scale government corruption.
The group urged citizens to assert their rights, declaring, “Uphold the people's right to freedom of expression. Resist tyranny, fight corruption! Makibaka, huwag matakot (Fight, do not be afraid)!”
Other activist groups also voiced concern that strict permit requirements and venue restrictions limit their ability to organize protests in central public spaces, reducing visibility and public engagement.
Meanwhile, the city government of Manila clarified that it has no objections to the protest but stressed the importance of proper coordination with relevant agencies.
Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said, “LGU Manila interposes no objection to the protest rally. We will provide the same assistance (traffic, garbage, and emergency medical assistance) as we did during the Sept. 21 rally and the Nov. 16 to 18 peace rally."
However, Domagoso emphasized that Roxas Boulevard falls under the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), while Luneta Park is managed by the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC).
He said the organizers should coordinate directly with these agencies, noting that this advice was given during a meeting at City Hall on Nov. 25.
The mayor also clarified that no rally permit is required for Liwasang Bonifacio, as it is designated a Freedom Park.
Philippines
