The Quezon City government has granted the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) a permit to hold a rally near the People Power Monument on Wednesday, a day after the group held a protest in the area without authorization.
Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety chief Elmo San Diego said the permit was issued at around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday upon the request of INC officials.
“At around 5:30 p.m., they requested for a (rally) permit for tomorrow,” San Diego said in a phone interview.
San Diego stressed that Tuesday’s rally had no permit and that organizers would be asked to explain.
“Of course, they are going to be held accountable, we are going ask them to explain,” he said.
Asked whether protesters would be allowed to remain in the area for the rest of Tuesday, San Diego said the city allowed those who could no longer go home to stay overnight, but only under conditions.
“We allowed them (to stay), those who cannot go home. They will have to sleep on the side of the road, they cannot block Edsa,” San Diego said.
A copy of the permit signed by San Diego showed that the INC was allowed to hold the rally along White Plains Avenue from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday.
The permit was requested by Atty. Lindsey Fabella-Bendal, an authorized representative of INC. It allowed the group to gather up to 100,000 participants.
“No total road closure will be undertaken during the duration of the rally,” the permit stated.
The permit also required organizers to maintain cleanliness and order in the area and ensure that the venue would be thoroughly cleaned after the event.
“This clearance may be revoked or cancelled in case of emergency or when the public interest so demands, as a result of non-compliance with any of the conditions stated,” it added.
Asked if protesters would be dispersed if the rally went beyond 8 p.m. Wednesday, San Diego said: “There’s no need. That can be discussed.”
The Quezon City Police District placed the crowd estimate at around 15,000 as of 6 p.m. Tuesday.