Traffic rerouted near anti-RH rally venue in Manila

Traffic will be rerouted around the Quirino Grandstand in Manila starting 2 p.m. Friday in time for a Catholic Church-led rally against the controversial reproductive health (RH) bill. The scheduled rally comes at a time when the House of Representatives has started plenary debates on the matter. The debates are expected to continue when session resumes in May. A report on dzBB radio early Friday said the Manila Police District's traffic unit advised truck drivers and motorists taking the affected routes to take alternate routes to get to their destinations. Portions of Roxas Boulevard at the corner of Katigbak and South Drive will be closed to traffic at 2 p.m. Only those with car passes will be allowed to pass through the area, the report said. Trucks from Osmeña Highway are to turn right at Quirino Avenue and proceed to Nagtahan. Heavy vehicles from the Pier can take take Osmeña Highway, the report added.

Earlier, the Manila Archdiocese said it expects thousands to attend the rally at the grandstand area from 3 p.m. to midnight of Friday, lest they get caught in heavy vehicular and pedestrian traffic. "Motorists traveling in the vicinity of the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, Manila on Friday March 25 from 3 p.m. until 12 midnight are advised to take alternate routes to avoid heavy vehicular and pedestrian traffic on the said area," it said in the advisory posted on its website. The Manila Archdiocese and pro-life groups will hold the prayer rally and Mass officiated by Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales with the theme "Filipinos! Unite Under God for Life." A separate article on the Manila Archdiocese website said the March 25 rally will coincide with the feast of the Annunciation, also declared as the Day of Unborn Children. It said Rosales will celebrate the Mass at 7 p.m. together with bishops and priests of the Metropolitan See of Manila comprised of 13 dioceses, prelature and the military ordinariate and other archdioceses and dioceses in Luzon. "Contingents for the prayer event will come from the parishes and shrines of the Metropolitan See, from all Catholic organizations and sectors, transparochial communities including El Shaddai and CFCFFL and Couples for Christ, Pro-life groups, catechists, students, youth, and the urban poor. There will also be an interfaith service before the Mass," the Archdiocese said. In a letter to priests, religious and laity of the Archdiocese of Manila on March 11, Rosales said the prayer rally was for all those who value life, family and life values. He said their presence will deliver the message “that our country will never allow the repressive RH Bill to be passed." The prayer rally will be an occasion to come together “to pray for life, its values and protection." Rosales said it is important that the proposed RH bill be exposed “for what it truly is and the values and self discipline that families and the young need have to be promoted." All Masses in the afternoon of March 25 in all churches and chapels in the Archdiocese of Manila will be canceled to let the priests to accompany their flock at the Prayer Rally and also for them to concelebrate in the Mass. The priests will also hear confessions beginning at 5 p.m. to highlight the call for conversion in the Season of Lent. People coming to the Prayer Rally are requested to bring candles and food for sharing. "Organizers are also informing the public that traffic will be heavy around and in the areas leading to the Luneta. Many contingents from nearby parishes will be marching towards the Luneta, and those coming from nearby cities and provinces will come in a motorcade," the Archdiocese said. — RSJ, GMA News