Cops say 80K crowd in Pasay rally; Robredo camp sticks to 400K

MANILA – The police have downgraded the crowd estimate at Vice President Leni Robredo’s campaign rally in Pasay City on Saturday but the camp of the presidential contender is sticking to its data.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Monday said about 70,000 to 80,000 attended the “generally peaceful” event along Macapagal Boulevard.

In a text message sent to the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday, lawyer Barry Gutierrez, the spokesperson of Robredo, said they stand by their estimate of 412,000 attendees.

“Macapagal is five kilometers long and 32 meters wide and was packed with volunteers and supporters. Anyone can use online tools to verify the crowd estimate and we are confident our numbers will be sustained,” Gutierrez said.

The rally lasted until 11 p.m. and covered the stretch from the corner of Gil Puyat Avenue to Edsa Extension.

The NCRPO noted that “a great number of rallyists did not stay for the whole duration of the event but left after a while”.

The VP Leni Robredo Facebook page on Sunday posted its appreciation to supporters.

“Ibang klaseng pagmamahal at pakiisa ang nakita natin sa 400,000+ strong na crowd kahapon! Nakakataba ng puso ang inyong pagtindig para sa ating mga ipinaglalaban. Dalawang linggo na lang, kaya ipakita na natin ang tunay na lakas ng nagkakaisang sambayanan. Tara, ipanalo na natin ito para sa lahat (We saw an unbelievable kind of love and solidarity in the 400,000+ strong crowd yesterday [Saturday]! It was heartwarming to stand up for what we are fighting for. There are only two weeks left, so let’s show the true strength of a united people. Let’s win this for everyone),” the post read.