Macapagal Blvd. closure not meant to deter rallyists: MMDA

MANILA – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday said the partial and full closure of the Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard is part of the preparation for the grand rally of Vice President and presidential bet Leni Robredo and is not meant to deter supporters from coming to the event.

In a statement, the MMDA said Macapagal Blvd. has been partially closed from Tuesday until Thursday as the stage built for the event was “so big that only one lane is passable on one side.”

Both lanes are scheduled to be closed from Friday until Monday to make way for the rally and the dismantling of the event stage.

“The road closure was not in any way intended to prevent supporters of VP Leni Robredo from attending the grand rally on Saturday,” the MMDA said.

It noted that the early closure of Macapagal Blvd. “goes against our policy of not allowing political activities on major roads on weekdays” but was tolerated to not be accused of being biased.

“Thus, accusations to the contrary are unfair to the agency and the organizer should explain this matter to their supporters,” the MMDA said.

Earlier, the MMDA announced the planned closure of Macapagal Boulevard to Buendia Avenue in Pasay City “to give way to a political rally approved by the local government.”

Supporters’ birthday gift to VP

Supporters of Robredo said they organized the grand rally on Saturday along Macapagal Blvd. as their birthday gift to the Vice President.

In a statement on Thursday, Erin Tañada, senatorial campaign manager of the Robredo-Pangilinan camp, said Robredo chose to be with the people that she has served for the past six years and hopes to serve in the future on this special day.

“Matindi ang kanyang pagmamahal sa mga tao at sa bayan na kahit sa kanyang birthday pinili niyang makapiling sila (She loves the people so much that she chose to be with them on her birthday),” he said adding that for her, the Filipino people are her family.

Tañada said the people see Robredo’s genuine dedication to her sworn duty, which is the reason why many are switching support to her presidential bid.

“She is unstoppable. Laging nasa isip niya ang iba kaysa sarili niya, inuuna niya lalo ang mga taong mas nangangailangan ng kalinga (She always thinks of other people before herself, and she always prioritizes those who are in need),” he said.

Meanwhile, event organizers expressed hope to surpass Robredo’s previous political rallies in terms of the number of attendees.

Organizers reminded those who will attend the event to bring extra shirts of different colors that will reflect their desire for the country.

In their Facebook post on Thursday, the organizers said white shirts represent health, blue for jobs generation, yellow for better education, red for food security, and pink for a better life.

“All colors now are welcome,” Tañada said, as represented in the new logo of the Robredo-Pangilinan campaign with a multi-colored flower to signify unity.