Mendiola now open to rallyists on weekends, holidays - Lim

For the first time in years, militant groups and other organizations will be allowed to stage a mass demonstration at the Mendiola Bridge in Manila on January 20 during the commemoration of the EDSA People Power 2. In a radio interview, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim on Friday said groups will be allowed to conduct rallies at the historic landmark, as long as their rally schedule falls on weekends and holidays. Lim noted that since January 20 is a Sunday, organizations that will be applying for rally permits in Mendiola will be accommodated. Several militant groups have planned to stage rallies to remind the government of the “promises" of EDSA 2. On the other hand, farmers marching to Mendiola to commemorate the Mendiola Massacre and push for their land rights may be prevented from converging at the bridge. Lim advised the farmers to instead move their rally at Mendiola on Sunday, or the following weekend. "Kung gusto nila sa January 20, which falls on a Sunday, or the Saturday after January 22, bibibgyan ko sila ng permiso (If they want to rally on January 20, which falls on a Sunday, or on the Saturday after January 22, I'll allow them)," Lim said in an interview on dzMM radio. "We'll just stick to the original policy na Mendiola ay pwede lang magkaroon ng rally Sabado, Linggo at piyesta opisyal. Unfortunately Jan. 22 falls on a Tuesday (We'll stick to the original policy that Mendiola is open to rallies only on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Unfortunately, Jan. 22 falls on a Tuesday)," he added. Lim noted that the Justice department’s claims of a fresh destabilization plot against the government is being considered in the strict implementation of the Manila City government’s policy on rally schedules at Mendiola. "Because of this report at sinasabing alleged destabilization plot, inisip namin dahil lang mamamahala sa katahimikan ang police department, they are the ones in authority to give the necessary recommendations (Because of the alleged destabilization plot, we let the police give the recommendations)," Lim said. - GMANews.TV