EDSA Traffic Restrictions Lifted After Large Gathering; MMDA Announces Full Passability

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced Wednesday that three lanes of EDSA northbound and southbound are now fully passable to traffic. In an advisory, the MMDA said the concrete barriers along EDSA northbound from Corinthian Gardens to White Plains have been adjusted, as have the barriers along EDSA southbound. The bus that previously obstructed the road has also been removed. Heavy traffic greeted commuters Tuesday morning as members of Iglesia Ni Cristo gathered along the EDSA People Power Monument to call for transparency and accountability. The MMDA added that the bus that previously obstructed the road has also been removed. Authorities earlier asked protesters to move the bus parked along EDSA, but participants reportedly refused. In a report, Super Radyo dzBB's Mark Makalalad said that, according to the Quezon City Police District, the number of Iglesia Ni Cristo members gathered at EDSA-White Plains went down to 3,500. The police expect the number to increase later in the afternoon or in the evening. According to James Agustin's Balitanghali report, heavy traffic persisted along the northbound lanes of EDSA approaching the People Power Monument past midnight, with only two lanes, including the EDSA Busway, passable to motorists. Members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo camped overnight in the area. Along White Plains Avenue, INC members laid out sleeping mats while others pitched tents. Some participants traveled from provinces to join the gathering. Roland Pingol, who came from Tarlac with fellow church members, said they were prepared to stay despite the weather. “Nakahanda po kami, rain or shine, talagang handa po kami (We’re prepared, rain or shine. We’re truly ready),” Pingol said. He said they joined the gathering to call for transparency and fairness. “Transparency na hinahanap natin kasi nagiging parang selective ang justice… Sana maging patas talaga (We’re calling for transparency because justice seems to have become selective. We hope it will truly be fair)," he said. Joseper Castillo, who traveled from Dasmariñas, Cavite, said they brought food and rain gear. He wore a shirt bearing the words “Transparency” and “Accountability.” “Laganap po ang corruption sa ating bansa. Pilit nating nilalaban ang karapatan natin (Corruption is widespread in our country. We are fighting to protect our rights)," he noted. Another participant, Arnel Valencia, said they joined the gathering because they believe justice should be applied fairly. “Kung sino pang tama, ‘yan ang kinakasuhan po. Ang mga mali po, sila pa ang namamayani. Kaya andito kami para ipaglaban ang karapatan bilang isang mamamayang Pilipino.” (Those who are in the right are the ones being charged, while those in the wrong continue to prevail. That’s why we’re here—to fight for our rights as Filipino citizens.) More participants continued arriving before dawn, including cousins Carlo Lareza and Ryan Antonio from Marilao, Bulacan, who said they had taken leave from work to attend the gathering. “Panawagan po ng Iglesia Ni Cristo—transparency and better democracy.” (The Iglesia Ni Cristo’s call is for transparency and better democracy.) Antonio said they pushed through with attending despite the traffic. “Galing sa trabaho… medyo talagang traffic kanina. Medyo nagpaluwag muna kami ng kalsada, pero hindi puwedeng lumagpas itong pagkakataon na ito na hindi makipagkaisa." We came from work, and traffic was really heavy earlier. We first helped clear part of the road, but we couldn’t let this opportunity pass without standing in solidarity.) According to the QCPD, around 2,500 police officers have been deployed around the People Power Monument to secure the gathering.—AOL, GMA News