The Quezon City government issued a statement clarifying its position on planned assemblies and rallies on Wednesday. Feb. 25, in commemoration of the EDSA People Power Anniversary.

In a statement on Sunday, Feb. 22, the city government said that it recognizes the rights of the citizens for a peaceful assembly.

“Alinsunod sa Batas Pambansa Blg. 880 o Public Assembly Act of 1985, kinikilala at iginagalang ang karapatan ng mga mamamayan na magsagawa ng mapayapang pagtitipon(Pursuant to National Act No. 880 or the Public Assembly Act of 1985, the right of citizens to peacefully assemble is recognized and respected),” the city government said.

“Gayunman, itinatakda rin ng batas ang requirement na magbigay ng written notice o mag-secure ng permit mula sa lokal na pamahalaan upang matiyak ang maayos na koordinasyon, kaligtasan, at kaayusan ng lahat—lalo na kung ang aktibidad ay gaganapin sa mga pampublikong lugar o pangunahing lansangan (However, the law also stipulates the requirement to provide written notice or secure a permit from the local government to ensure proper coordination, safety, and order for everyone—especially if the activity is held in public places or main streets),” it added.

The city government also said that February 25 falls on a Wednesday and is not a public holiday, stressing its duty to balance the interests of the general public and those planning to hold assemblies.

“Ang tuluyang pagsasara ng EDSA ay magdudulot ng perwisyo sa mga pumapasok sa trabaho at eskwela (The complete closure of EDSA will cause disruption to those going to work and school),” it said, referring to possible disruptions if major thoroughfares are closed.

After reviewing submitted documents and conducting coordination, the Quezon City government said it granted permission to the Trillion Peso March Movement, led by Francis “Kiko” Dee, to hold its activity within Quezon City’s jurisdiction.

The programs Tindig Pilipinas and Church Leaders Council for National Transformation were included in the same application.

Meanwhile, groups that expressed plans to hold programs in the EDSA–Ortigas area were endorsed to the Mandaluyong City Government and the Eastern Police District, as the area is outside Quezon City’s jurisdiction.

“Ang mga naging hakbang ng lokal na pamahalaan ay alinsunod sa umiiral na batas at territorial jurisdiction. When the proposed venue is outside Quezon City, it is our duty to refer the organizers to the proper authorities(The actions taken by the local government are in accordance with the existing laws and territorial jurisdiction. When the proposed venue is outside Quezon City, it is our duty to refer the organizers to the proper authorities),” it said.

The local government also proposed having a single stage for all groups to make traffic and crowd management easier, but said it was contrary to the preference of some parties.

It further clarified that no group was denied permission to hold demonstrations.

“Nililinaw ng Pamahalaang Lungsod na walang grupong ‘hindi pinayagan’ batay sa kanilang paninindigan (The City Government clarifies that no group is 'disallowed' based on their stance),” it said.

The city government also denied claims that it prohibited the carrying of placards or attempted to control freedom of expression.

“Wala ring katotohanan na ipinagbawal ng lokal na pamahalaan ang pagdadala ng mga placard, o may tangka na kontrolin ang kanilang kalayaang magpahayag ng damdamin (There is also no truth that the local government banned the carrying of placards, or attempted to control their freedom of expression),” it said.