The Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City, where the House of Representatives holds it sessions, will be the venue of the first SONA of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 25, 2022. (Photo from the Facebook account of the House of Representatives)
The Quezon City government has reconsidered its rejection of a group’s request for a rally permit and allowed a protest gathering along Commonwealth Avenue on President Marcos’ first State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday.
“The local government has decided to allow progressive groups to conduct their march and assembly along Commonwealth Avenue (eastbound) up to the corner of Tandang Sora Avenue on Monday, July 25,” the city government said in a statement on Friday.
At the same time, city hall also suspended classes in all levels on Monday and encouraged Quezon City establishments to suspend work or adopt work-from-home arrangements.
The decision was reached after Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, who is out of the country, ordered the city’s department of public order and safety to review its rejection of the rally permit sought by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and forge a compromise.
Commonwealth Avenue up to Tandang Sora Avenue was identified as the “middle ground” in talks between city officials, Quezon City Police District and Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes on Friday and the permit was issued.
The President’s supporters were also allowed to hold a gathering and a concert on Batasan Road, in front of the Batasang Pambansa where the Chief Executive will deliver his first annual address before a joint session of Congress.
The entire Batasang Pambansa complex, comprised of 16 hectares, was placed on lockdown on Thursday until Sunday, July 24, according to a memorandum signed by House secretary general Mark Llandro Mendoza.
On Monday, the 19th Congress will convene for its first regular session at 10 a.m., six hours ahead of the President’s address before the joint session at 4 p.m.
In accordance with the usual presidential security protocol, entrances to the Plenary Hall will be closed by 3 p.m., an hour before the President’s address.
During the lockdown period, only essential House personnel will be allowed to enter and non-House personnel authorized to enter should register with the HousePass system and observe health and safety protocols.