MANILA, Philippines — Security is now tight in Makati City in anticipation of the second Million People March to Ayala Friday afternoon, a police official said.
Police Senior Superintendent Manuel Lukban, Makati Police chief, said he deployed 50 of his men early Friday to assist in maintaining the flow of traffic and assisting motorists as portions of Makati City were closed down.
Lukban said 300 to 400 more police officers will be deployed later in the day to maintain peace and order when rally participants arrive to hold their protest program at around 3 p.m.
He said they expected around 8,000 people.
The first Million People March was held in Luneta last August 26 to call for the abolition of the pork barrel system.
Succeeding protests have been held with same demand in Mendiola, EDSA along the People’s Monument and now in Ayala.
In a statement, the #AbolishPork Movement said workers, office employees, farmers, religious, students, teachers, corruption whistleblowers, health professionals and other sectors will assemble near Rustan’s, Glorietta along Ayala at around 2 p.m.
By 3 p.m., the contingent will march towards Paseo de Roxas.
“We have gone from Luneta, to Mendiola, to EDSA, and now here we are in Ayala. We hope that the Makati populace will go out of their offices and workplaces to join us making a stand against massive and systemic corruption. There should be a complete abolition of the pork barrel, not just a changing of names,” said Fr. Joe Dizon, one of the convenors.
He said they were holding President Benigno Aquno III accountable for the entire “pork” fund mess, saying that Aquino has the power to push for for changes in the system, “but he stubbornly refuses to do so.”
“The issue has now reached his office, with the Disbursement Acceleration Program now in the spotlight,” he added.
At the march, a “golden baboy,” an 8 x 10 x 4 feet effigy will be displayed along Ayala. The effigy is a reference to giant animal statues in Biblical times worshipped as “false idols.”
The group said its protest program will include messages of #Abolishpork Movement convenors Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz, Concerned Citizens Movement Attorney Harry Roque, a performance by actress Monique Wilson of BABALA (Babae Laban sa Katiwalian), Dr. Darby Santiago Rx Abolish Pork, as well as speeches by progressive groups.
Makati City’s Traffic department said that as early as 10 a.m., the stretch of Paseo de Roxas from the the corner of Ayala Avenue to Sedeño St. was closed to traffic for the setting up of the stage in front of the Ninoy Aquino statue.
At 2 p.m. onwards, both lanes of Ayala Avenue from Makati Avenue up to Herrera St. will also be closed to traffic for the people’s assembly.
Passenger buses (PUB) from EDSA shall turn right to Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. toward their destination or turn right to Ayala Avenue, right turn to Makati Avenue, and left turn to Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue toward destination.
All PUBs coming from the South Luzon Expressway, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue and Pasay City shall take Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, turn left to EDSA towards their destination.
Meanwhile, public utility jeepneys and light vehicles from J.P. Rizal shall make a right turn to Makati Avenue, right turn to Paseo De Roxas, right turn to Villar St., left turn to E.P. Leviste St., left turn to V.A. Rufino St., then right turn at Ayala Avenue toward destination.
Vehicles from Washington St. shall take right turn to Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, right turn to Ayala Avenue, right turn to Salcedo St., left turn to Benavidez St. toward Esperanza St, right turn to Makati Avenue, right turn to Arnaiz Avenue, right turn Paseo De Roxas, left turn Dela Rosa St., right turn Salcedo St., then left turn at Ayala Avenue toward destination.
All vehicles from McKinley Road going toward CBD/Legaspi Village shall take Arnaiz Avenue, right turn to Paseo De Roxas toward destination and vice versa. Motorists bound for Salcedo Village will be allowed to enter Ayala Avenue then make a right turn to Apartment Ridge, left turn to Sta. Potenciana, then left turn to Paseo De Roxas toward destination.