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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Motorists and commuters have rights too, PNP tells protesters over repeated attempts to block EDSA

Motorists and commuters have rights too, PNP tells protesters over repeated attempts to block EDSA

Published Jun 30, 2026 02:15 pm
Several vehicles were seen blocking a portion of EDSA near the People Power Monument during the protest action of a religious group on Monday, June 30, 2026.
Several vehicles were seen blocking a portion of EDSA near the People Power Monument during the protest action of a religious group on Monday, June 30, 2026.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) called on the protesters led by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) to respect the rights of the commuters and other people who are affected by the surprise protest action conducted in Quezon City, particularly at the country's busiest road, EDSA. 
PNP spokesman Col. Allen Rae Co said that while they fully respect the right of the group and other people to hold protest action and air their grievances, police also have to protect the rights of the most number of people that use EDSA to go to work and other destinations.
“What we would like to appeal is for them to leave other people out of this protest action. They should not be obstructing the roads,” said Co.
The official was reacting to validated reports that the protesters were deliberately blocking EDSA and White Plains Avenue with buses and other private vehicles.
EDSA is the country’s busiest road where hundreds of thousands of vehicles pass every day. The protesters first blocked EDSA early morning and continue to do so during the morning rush hours.
As a result, thousands of vehicles were stuck in monstrous traffic jams.
Police forces and personnel of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) started removing the vehicles by towing some of them but some of the protesters continue to force some vehicles to block EDSA.
At least three policemen were injured when some protesters allegedly attacked them while preventing a bus from forcing its way to EDSA to deliberately block the road.
One of the bus drivers was arrested along with four other protesters.
That bus driver who was arrested, according to Co, continued to maneuver the vehicle despite the presence of police officers. As a result, a policewoman was injured.
Two others were arrested for attacking policemen.
Surprise rally
Rumors of the protest action have been going around since Monday night, the action appeared to have been triggered by the announcement of Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla that a plunder case will be filed against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta this week.
The INC, in its statement, said the protest action is in support of Marcoleta, a known INC member.
The plunder case stemmed from Marcoleta’s admission that he received P75 million from three people as campaign funds-- one of the donors was former congressman Mike Defensor who is also expected to be included in the plunder charge sheet.
The protest action started as early as 3 a.m. and swelled to around 10,000 by 11 a.m.
Not indefinite
Earlier, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin said the protest action has no permit.
The PNP leadership, however, decided to allow the INC to hold their protest action.
But for how long?
Obviously it will not be indefinite. We will discuss with the DILG as to how long they would be allowed to hold the protest action,” said Co.

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