The Quezon City government on Wednesday, July 1, revoked the permit for the third day of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) rally following complaints from residents and reports of heavy disruption in the area. 

Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS) head Ret. Gen. Elmo San Diego said the permit issued to the INC for its rally along EDSA would only remain valid until Wednesday, July 1.

In a statement, the DPOS said the decision was made as part of the city government's duty to protect public interest.

The department said it received reports that the rally caused significant inconvenience to the public, with thousands of people allegedly delayed on their way to work and school.

It added that some employees were unable to report for work, while businesses in the area were also affected.

The DPOS also said the organizers allegedly violated the terms of the permit by occupying portions of EDSA instead of remaining within the approved rally site along White Plains Avenue.

“Iginagalang natin ang kalayaan sa pagtitipon at pagpapahayag ng damdamin, ngunit hindi ito maaaring makasagabal sa kapakanan ng nakararami (We respect the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, but these should not come at the expense of the welfare of the greater public),” the DPOS said.

The city government had earlier issued a no-objection clearance for the INC rally along White Plains Avenue-Temple Drive, subject to several conditions.

Under the permit, the activity was allowed only along White Plains Avenue-Temple Drive, excluding the People Power Monument, with an estimated attendance of up to 100,000 participants.

It also prohibited total road closures and required organizers to ensure that the activity would not disrupt security operations or the normal flow of traffic.