DILG names 12 ‘freedom parks’ in Metro Manila

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has identified twelve freedom parks in Metro Manila, where no prior permit will be needed for public protests.

DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno made the announcement today in a press conference in Camp Crame, as militant and labor groups began their protest march marking Labor Day.

The ralliers have vowed to take their protest to Mendiola, which has been declared as a “no-rally zone.” As this post is being written, rally leaders are negotiating with police who have barricaded the streets leading to Mendiola.

On April 25, the Supreme Court ordered local governments to designate freedom parks in their jurisdiction, within 30 days from the order.

The following were named freedom parks:

• Manila: Plaza Miranda, Plaza Dilao, Plaza Moriones, and Liwasang Bonifacio
• Quezon City: Quezon Memorial Center
• Caloocan City: LRT Westside in Grace Park
• Navotas: Veterans Park
• Valenzuela: the park in front of the City hall
• San Juan: Pinaglabanan Park
• Pasig City: Plaza Rizal
• Marikina City: the City Hall Freedom Park
• Makati City: the corner of Paseo de Roxas and Makati Avenue

The designation of freedom parks is provided for in Batas Pambansa 880 or the Public Assembly Act.

Section 15 of BP 880 reads:

Every city and municipality in the country shall within six months after the effectivity of this Act establish or designate at least one suitable “freedom park” or mall in their respective jurisdictions which, as far as practicable, shall be centrally located within the poblacion where demonstrations and meetings may be held at any time without the need of any prior permit.

In the cities and municipalities of Metropolitan Manila, the respective mayors shall establish the freedom parks within the period of six months from the effectivity this Act.