Manila Mayor Isko Moreno voiced deep disappointment over the defacement of a center island along Recto Avenue, which occurred during a rally on Monday, Sept. 21, commemorating the 54th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law.
City workers promptly repainted the affected structure after a activist was spotted defacing the area with spray paint during the demonstration.
“Nakakapanlumo naman po. Pagmasdan ninyo ang center island na tila ginawang blackboard, may mga bakas ng spray paint at vandalism na naiwan matapos ang rally,” Moreno said.
The mayor emphasized the local government’s continuous efforts to revitalize and maintain public areas across the city.
“Pinag-iisipan at pinaghihirapan po nating pagandahin, linisin at ayusin ang Maynila para sa ating mga Manileño. Tapos ganito lang po ang gagawin sa ating lungsod?”
While acknowledging the public’s right to freedom of speech and assembly, Moreno stressed that public infrastructure should not be destroyed in the process.
“Malaya po tayong magpahayag at magprotesta, pero sana naman huwag nating sirain ang mga pinaghihirapan nating ayusin.”
Law enforcement personnel apprehended a male demonstrator after catching him in the act of spray-painting the island along Recto Avenue. A female activist was also taken into custody after she reportedly attempted to prevent officers from arresting the male suspect. Both individuals were subsequently released following discussions between police officials and rally organizers.
Property defacement is strictly illegal in the capital under Anti-Vandalism Ordinance No. 7971.
In response, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan spokesperson Mong Palatino stood by the demonstrators’ actions and turned the issue back toward the city administration.
“Hindi mabubura ang galit ng mamamayan sa korapsyon. Hindi rin makakalimutan ang laban sa kawalan ng pananagutan ng mga nang-aabuso sa kapangyarihan. Yorme, yung mga puno ng Quirino Ave na wala kang imik nung pinutol, nabalik na ba?” Palatino said.