Attendance at Bagong Pilipinas rally voluntary — PCO

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil said Friday that attendance at the Bagong Pilipinas kickoff rally on Sunday is voluntary.

"It's voluntary," Garafil told reporters when asked if Malacañang employees are required to attend the event.

There have been reports that some government staff have been required to attend the activity.

The Bagong Pilipinas kickoff rally will take place at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila City on Jan. 28.

Various government officials, celebrities and other personalities are expected to attend the kickoff rally, where performing artists will take center stage starting 3 p.m.

The kickoff rally, which is free for those who wish to attend, will also be live-streamed nationwide.

According to PCO director Cris Villonco, the First Family will grace the event.

"Definitely po, from the government side, we, of course, are going to have the First Family. Of course, we are calling our government agencies, the departments, our cabinet secretaries—sila po ang pupunta doon (they will go there). And then, of course, our artists, and, of course, the most important, our public. We are calling everyone to please come and join us [on] Sunday," Villonco said in a public briefing.

She said organizers are expecting some 200,000 attendees at the event.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) recently announced road closures and alternative routes that will be implemented during the Bagong Pilipinas kickoff rally.

In July last year, the Marcos administration unveiled Bagong Pilipinas as "the overarching theme" of the Marcos administration's "brand of governance and leadership, which calls for deep and fundamental transformation in all sectors of society and government." — VDV/ NB, GMA Integrated News