Mayor Isko slams acts of vandalism during Nov. 30 rallies
Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso could not hide his dismay over reports of acts of vandalism across the city during the conduct of anti-corruption protests on Sunday, Nov. 30.
According to him, several roads and public infrastructures were vandalized by individuals during the demonstrations, forcing the local government to spend its much-needed funds to once again clean the streets.
"Paulit-ulit na paalala: malaya ang magpahayag, pero huwag babuyin ang ating lungsod. Sa kabila nito, may mga nag-vandal pa rin sa mga pader sa kahabaan ng Padre Burgos Street—perang dapat para sa serbisyo publiko, mapupunta na naman sa paglilinis ng kalat nila (Repeated reminder: anyone is free to exercise their freedom of expression, but please don't vandalize our city. Despite this, there are still those who vandalized the walls along Padre Burgos Street—forcing us to use the money allocated for public services to clean up their mess)," Domagoso exclaimed.
"Nakakapagtaka: nagpoprotesta para sa tamang paggamit ng pondo, pero sila rin ang dahilan ng pag-aaksaya nito (This makes me wonder: they protest for the proper use of funds, but they are also the reason for its waste)," he added.
The vandalized walls and public infrastructures were quickly cleaned and restored by the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) after the protests, earning praise from the mayor.
The Manila Police District (MPD) said about 2,500 individuals participated in the "Baha sa Luneta 2.0" demonstration initially held at Luneta Park coinciding with the 162nd birth anniversary of Gat Andres Bonifacio.
They then went to Liwasang Bonifacio after the police prevented them from holding their protest at Luneta Park due to a lack of the required permit from the Manila Parks and Development Committee (MPDC), which is mandated under the Public Assembly Act (Batas Pambansa Blg. 880).
The protesters ended their demonstration along Recto Avenue later that afternoon.