Metro Manila (CNN Philippines)—On February 25, the nation will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of EDSA People Power—the bloodless revolution that ended the reign of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
But in relation to this, there have been text messages circulating among residents in villages near the People Power monument, and among parents in private schools that will be affected by the activities of the celebration.
There are several versions of the text messages saying there will be road closures from February 9 to 29, to give way for a museum showcasing the events that led to EDSA People Power 1.
In the text messages, recipients were informed of EDSA People Power Commission’s (EPPC) plan to close the whole stretch of White Plains Avenue, from Katipunan to EDSA.
Spirit of EDSA Foundation co-founder pastor Boy Saycon, in a text message to CNN Philippines, confirmed the conception of such plan.
“Yes, it’s true there will be a celebration to commemorate 30 years of EDSA People Power and [the] making of [the] museum which was originally the design and concept of the Spirit of EDSA Foundation led by Christopher Carrion, our chairman,” said Saycon.
But Saycon said that initial plan does not include road closures, especially of major thoroughfares.
Raji Tañada, EPPC project officer, told CNN Philippines in a text message “the information is not entirely accurate.”
Cause for confusion
Saying that Saycon has never been affiliated with EPPC and that the foundation is not part of the planning, Tañada said they will be releasing the list of official events and traffic advisories soon.
Tañada added: “There will be no road closure on February 9”.
Saycon said, “it’s frustrating” that the EPPC has not announced its concrete plans for the People Power anniversary until now and that this causes confusion among the public.
He also finds it “ironic” that the administration “appears to have not carefully planned” for the event where the president’s parents have been a huge part of.
EPPC, headed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., operates under the Office of the President.
Motorists advised to look for alternate routes
Quezon City administrator Aldrin Cuña confirmed to CNN Philippines that the local government has been informed of the plans for the street museum, which he says could possibly cause congestion in major thoroughfares.
Cuña said with this plan for EDSA People Power anniversary, “motorists need to find alternate routes to avoid the area and congestion.”
The local official declined to divulge the details of the plan and said he would not want to preempt the EPPC’s announcement.
But he said that they are aware that the EPPC museum “will definitely cause a monstrous jam along EDSA.”
Asked about the local government’s plan to help ease the traffic especially on February 9 to 29, Cuña said Quezon City’s authority is limited for the occasion.
“That is a national road hence it is the obligation of the national government.”
Cuña added, they cannot declare class suspensions for schools in Quezon City that would be affected by the event since they could only declare suspension of classes or work during disasters or cases of natural calamities such as typhoons or earthquakes.
“Walang class suspension – Dep[artment of] Ed[ucation] lang pwede mag suspend ng class[es] on ordinary days,” said Cuña.
[Translation: There’s no class suspension – it’s only DepEd that could suspend classes on ordinary days.]
CNN Philippines tried to get the statement of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on the matter, but there has been no response as of posting.
