IN VIEW of the “National Rally for Peace” of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), Malacañang announced the suspension of work in government offices and classes at all levels in Manila City and Pasay City on Monday, January 13.
In Memorandum Circular No. 76 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the suspension was made due to the “numerous participants expected to travel to and within the cities of Manila and Pasay” and “to allow for the organized conduct of the event” on Monday.
“However, those agencies whose functions involve the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services shall continue their operations and render the necessary services,” the memorandum read.
It added that the suspension of work in non-government companies and offices is left to the discretion of their management.
The INC previously said it would hold the “National Rally for Peace” to support President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s opposition to impeachment calls on Vice President Sara Duterte. Two impeachment complaints had already been filed against the vice president.
Road closures
The rally, which will be held at the Quirino Grandstand, is expected to draw one million attendees “coming from different provinces,” said Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair Don Artes in a press conference on Friday, January 10.
Traffic congestion is also expected on Monday since over a thousand vehicles carrying the attendees are anticipated to arrive in Metro Manila.
The MMDA also bared the closure of the roads near Quirino Grandstand and Rizal Park, including:
- Katigbak Drive
- South Drive
- A portion of Roxas Boulevard (from U.N. Avenue to P. Burgos)
- TM Kalaw
- A portion of Bonifacio Drive (from P. Burgos to Anda Circle)
- Maria Orosa
“Practically, ‘yung mismong Rizal Park area lang,” said MMDA Traffic Operations Officer Manny Miro. He then advised motorists to take alternate routes like U.N. Avenue and Quirino Avenue.
Artes, meanwhile, said they will deploy some 1,300 MMDA personnel for the rally.
