Manila says no permit needed for INC rally at Liwasang Bonifacio
Crowd estimate at the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) rally at White Plains in Quezon City. (Photo courtesy of QCPD)
The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) on Wednesday, July 1, announced that it will continue its protest at Liwasang Bonifacio, a government-designated Freedom Park where groups are not required to secure a permit to hold peaceful assemblies.
The decision came after the Quezon City government revoked the permit for the third day of the group’s demonstration at the EDSA People Power Monument, which was scheduled for Thursday, July 2.
In a statement, Manila City Administrator Atty. Eduardo “Wardee” P. Quintos XIV confirmed that no permit is required to hold a peaceful assembly at Liwasang Bonifacio.
“Liwasang Bonifacio is a government-designated Freedom Park. As such, the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) does not need to secure a permit to assemble peacefully in the area,” Quintos said.
The Quezon City government revoked the permit for the third day of the INC rally after receiving complaints from residents and motorists, according to Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety (QC-DPOS) Head Ret. Gen. Elmo San Diego.
Earlier, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso cited the generally peaceful conduct of the group’s assembly in the capital city.
“Kapag Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) ang nagra-rally, wala akong kakaba-kaba (When the Iglesia Ni Cristo rallies, I have nothing to worry about)," Domagoso said.
The protest had been taking place at the EDSA People Power Monument before organizers announced the transfer of the activity to Liwasang Bonifacio.
As of 7:20 p.m., organizers estimated that around 10,000 people had attended the gathering at the People Power Monument.