QC gov't permits SONA 2023 protest along Commonwealth Avenue

The Quezon City government permitted progressive group Bayan to hold a protest along Commonwealth Avenue during Monday's SONA 2023.

According to the permit issued to Bayan, the People’s SONA was approved for 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. along Commonwealth Avenue up to Tandang Sora Avenue.

“The city interposes no objection to the aforementioned activity, provided that all guidelines imposed by the Inter-Agency Task Force of the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease will be strictly observed and that the normal flow of traffic will not be impeded during the entire activity,” read the permit.

Various protest groups were expected to gather to “speak out against the corruption, cronyism, and abuses of the presidency.”

International protests have also been scheduled throughout the week in several states and embassies overseas in the United States, Asia Pacific, and Canada.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police will deploy 25,000 personnel to maintain order during the SONA. They also promised that maximum tolerance would be implemented on the protesters. — DVM, GMA Integrated News