Traffic snarl due to late Anti-cha cha participants

  Makati Philippines – The anti-cha cha rally caused a huge traffic jam along Pasay       road stretching until Pasong Tamo in Don Bosco. This despite the coordination           between the different traffic agencies like the Barangay, MAPSA, MACEA and the        PNP. Observers noted that the volume was just too much on Pasay Road, most            specially the lane leading to EDSA. The lane leading to the skyway was clogged by  high end vehicles owned by political participants. Most of their retinue were parked  in front of the One Corporate Plaza building where former Solicitor Frank Chavez  occupies the whole 8th floor. The Cars were parked along the streets further  hindering traffic flow.

 The inner roads of Legaspi like Benavidez and Legaspi streets saw light traffic due to  the fact that office workers opted to stay away, specially those with vehicles. Parking  was abundant in the usually car crowded streets.

 At around 2:30 pm, participants to the anti-cha cha rally started to flock at the  intersections of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas where news channels were  already set-up and waiting. People were led by Nuns and Priests.

 Police presence was high due to the order of the NCRPO to secure the area. As many  as 3,000 police are deployed according to a young policeman. Fire engines were also  present at critical intersections ready for action should the crowd turn violent.

At 3:30 pm the crowd barely filled Paseo de Roxas. Organizers however said that attendance would peak at around 5:30 as participants were still enrout and some workers still in the office.

 One bystander stated that Makati Mayor should have moved the rally to Ugarte field  instead of blocking the main avenues.

 A businessman said that these rallys while meaningful should not disturb the daily  flow of life. It is as if Binay allowed us to become hostages to these kinds of political  exercises with his open city policy for anti cha cha activities.

 As of this reporting no violence has been reported.

 Report filed – PAG

  Traffic on Pasay Road stretches to EDSA while marchers assemble at the intersection of Ayala and Paseo amidst the skyscrapers.

  Photo below shows nun leading anti chacha marchers

Barangay braces for Anti-cha cha rally on Friday

Makati Philippines – Barangay officials are preparing for the anti-cha cha rally to be held at the intersection of Paseo de Roxas and Ayala Avenue by increasing the presence of traffic enforcers at critical intersections within the Barangay.

Barangay Chairman Joshua Santiago ordered Kagawad Mike Dizon, Head of the traffic and security committee, to coordinate with the Police and the MACEA for the smooth flow of people and vehicular traffic. Kagawad Dizon was likewise tasked to coordinate with the Building administrators near the rally site.

We cannot help that some criminal elements may use the rally and take advantage of the situation that is why we are preparing as early as now – the Barangay Chairman added.

Past gatherings in the same area have resulted in physical damage to nearby buildings and establishments with plants being up-rooted and people relieving themselves on building walls. Post rally and events have also seen the area to be full of garbage and human waste.

We are requesting the organizers to provide the proper facilities for attendees personal needs in order to minimize littering. Those seen littering may be arrested by authorities by virtue of a Makati City Ordinance according to Kagawad Dizon.