The police in Manila blocked the planned stage setup of the “Baha sa Luneta Rally 2.0” and enforced a 15-minute limit for the anti-corruption protest on Sunday, November 30.
According to the Bayang Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), the road should be closed early and the stage set up starting at 12:00 a.m.
The police stopped the set-up due to the “no permit, no rally” policy.
Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso said that the Manila LGU has no objection to the rally, but proper coordination with the MMDA and NPDC would be needed, since Luneta is under NPDC.
The Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot (KBKK) insisted that they coordinated with the MMDA and the Manila LGU.
According to the group, it was clearly the police who blocked the road and probably had the "blessing of the Palace." They challenged the Manila LGU and MMDA to uphold what was discussed.
Although not allowed to set up, the group was given 15 minutes to carry out protest action.
Bayan Secretary General Mong Palatino assured that the protest will continue.
In a separate statement, the City condemned the police action.
They said the blockade was a clear way to disrupt preparations and prevent people from attending, along with “overkill” security around Recto, Mendiola, and Malacañang.
