Metro Manila, Philippines — A freedom park with unhampered use in Manila was the alternate rally site of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) on its third day of protests on Thursday, July 2, after the Quezon City government revoked the permit for the People Power Monument.
Authorities gave different crowd estimates at the Liwasang Bonifacio. The Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office placed the turnout at around 8,900 as of 1 p.m., while the Manila Police District (MPD) estimated 1,700 protesters by noon. Authorities have yet to release an updated count as of posting time.
The Quezon City local government revoked the permit a day earlier, citing the disruption the rally caused to residents, motorists, and commuters. Liwasang Bonifacio is one of Manila’s freedom parks, where permits are not required for peaceful public assemblies.
The MPD said the venue can accommodate up to 15,000 people.
The protest comes ahead of the expected filing before the Sandiganbayan of a plunder case against Iglesia ni Cristo member Sen. Rodante Marcoleta.
READ: Plunder charges vs. Sen. Marcoleta to be filed this week – Ombudsman
The Manila city government suspended classes at all levels in public and private schools because of the rally, while police secured the area and traffic personnel managed vehicle flow around Liwasang Bonifacio.
Some protesters said they were prepared to join the demonstrations if organizers extend the protest in the coming days. They also appealed for understanding from motorists affected by the traffic caused during the first day of the rally in Quezon City.
Rally participants maintained that their protest was not solely about the case against Marcoleta, but also about what they described as broader concerns over justice. The Office of the Ombudsman has yet to file the case before the Sandiganbayan. The ombudsman and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. denied allegations of selective justice.
