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Batangas protesters back INC rally, push 'Scrap VAT' at Liwasang Bonifacio

Philippines | Metro Manila

Batangas protesters back INC rally, push 'Scrap VAT' at Liwasang Bonifacio

By Diann Calucin

Rallyists assemble at Liwasang Bonifacio while police stand guard, enforcing security measures during the protest in Manila.

Rallyists assemble at Liwasang Bonifacio while police stand guard, enforcing security measures during the protest in Manila.

Protesters from Batangas’ 1st District joined the ongoing Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) rally at Liwasang Bonifacio on Wednesday, July 1, to call for the scrapping of the Value Added Tax (VAT).

Hundreds of Batangas residents gathered early in Ermita, Manila, carrying placards and chanting “ibasura ang VAT” as they backed the INC-led assembly pushing for transparency, accountability, peace, and justice.

Around 100 individuals set up camp at nearby Bonifacio Square, with more supporters arriving throughout the morning.

As of 9 a.m., authorities estimated the crowd at around 230 individuals at Liwasang Bonifacio.

By around 10 a.m., some rallyists from Batangas boarded buses bound for EDSA, allegedly to join the ongoing protest there, as police monitored their movement.

Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste was also seen at the rally site.

Security remained tight across key areas in Manila amid concerns that protesters could move toward Mendiola.

Container vans and concrete barriers blocked key roads, while the Philippine National Police (PNP) kept a heavy presence on full alert, with reinforcements from other regions.

Major routes remained closed to traffic, including Ayala Bridge up to Mendiola, causing disruptions for motorists.

The Manila Police District (MPD) said it continues to implement maximum tolerance while enforcing crowd-control measures as part of standard security protocols for large public gatherings.

Cleanup operations were already underway as early as 6:30 a.m., with sanitation workers clearing trash left behind by rally participants.

The situation remained peaceful as of posting time.

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