Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on Wednesday ordered the tighter implementation of the Public Assembly Act as groups flock to the capital to protest against the recent election 2022 results.
In a statement, Moreno said this means those who plan to hold a public gathering in Manila would need to obtain a permit from the city government first.
The recent order came as Filipinos organize demonstrations protesting against the victory of running-mates of Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and Sara Duterte in the recent 2022 elections.
"Tapos na ang kampanya, tapos na ang halalan, nag desisyon na ang tao. Now, we have to put things in right order. For the purposes of moving on at kayo ay maibalik na sa normal, 'yung normal na pamumuhay, kailangan na pong ilagay natin sa tamang perspektibo ang mga bagay bagay," said Moreno in a statement.
(The campaign is over, the election is over. The people have decided. Now, we have to put things in the right order. For the purposes of moving on and for you to return to normal, to your normal lives, we need to put into perspective several things.)
"My job is to keep you safe. My job is to give you opportunity. Ang trabaho ko ay mabigyan kayo ng maaliwalas, matiwasay, at panatag na pamumuhay sa lungsod ng Maynila," he added.
(My job is to keep you safe. My job is to give you an opportunity. My job is to give you a clear, peaceful, and smooth life in the city of Manila.)
In his memorandum, Moreno ordered all barangay officials within Manila to ensure that provisions of the Public Assembly Act are strictly enforced.
The city's Bureau of Permits is also ordered to "act promptly and expeditiously" on applications for permits.
