Permits for protests ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte’s fifth State of the Nation Address will not be processed, Quezon City authorities said Friday, citing a new order from the national government about mass gatherings.
The city government announced that in pursuant to he Department of Interior and Local Government’s advisory on Thursday, “all applications for permits to organize or hold public assemblies shall not be processed.”
“At the same time, those deemed issued because no action was taken after two days following the date of application, are in the same manner revoked,” it added.
Prior to the DILG’s advisory, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said rallies will be allowed as long as appropriate permits are secured.
Labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno said it already had an agreement with the Quezon City police that the demonstration will be held on Commonwealth Avenue with safety and health protocols in place.
At least two other groups will push through with the planned protests.
President Rodrigo Duterte will deliver his speech at the Batasang Pambansa in Batasan Hills, Quezon City, with only about 50 guests present in the actual event.
