MANILA, Philippines — Protesters gathered along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City Monday morning, hours before President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s first State of the Nation Address (Sona).
Members of militant groups, including Bayan, Karapatan, Anakbayan and Alliance of Health Workers converged in University of the Philippines – Diliman (UPD) early morning in preparation for Marcos’ first Sona.
Groups from Southern Luzon, meanwhile, gathered as early as 6:00 a.m. along Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City before marching towards Philcoa, and converging with the marching protesters towards Commonwealth Avenue at around 9:30 a.m.
The Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety initially barred protests along Commonwealth Avenue.
The decision, however, was reversed after the local government met with several protest groups, as well as key city administrators, the Philippine National Police and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
Around 22,000 law enforcers have been deployed for Marcos’ first SONA.
Pro-Marcos demonstrations were also permitted along IBP Road in Batasan Hills.
Marcos Jr. is set to deliver his first Sona on Monday afternoon.
