The first train sets for the Metro Rail Train 7 (MRT 7) from South Korea mount to tracks near Tandang Sora Station in Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on September 11, 2021. —Inquirer file photo/Niño Jesus Orbeta
MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Saturday urged protesters to stay away from the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT 7) along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City during their State of the Nation Address (Sona) rallies on July 22.
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Emmanuel Miro, the MMDA’s head for special events, said the agency is 100 percent ready for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third Sona, but asked for some cooperation from the expected protesters.
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“We will ask them to move to a more spacious area so that they won’t cause blockage. The government respects their right to express their sentiments, but we hope they won’t end up inconveniencing others,” Miro said.
He said protesters will be allowed on Commonwealth Avenue, but only up to Luzon Avenue, similar to last year’s arrangement.
Miro said the agency will deploy a force of 1,329 personnel on the day of the address.
He said there are no road closures so far on the part of the MMDA as it is the security sector such as the police that determines the need for road closures. —Julie M. Aurelio