The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Thursday that it will manage traffic in case rallies are held on the 80th birthday of former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained in The Hague, Netherlands.
In a press conference, MMDA chairperson Romando Artes stated that the agency will not restrict protesters from staging their program, provided they do not obstruct traffic.
“From our side, it’s simply traffic management. So, as long as protests like that are held in freedom parks, we have no objection,” the MMDA chief said.
“We are merely appealing, especially to those leading such gatherings, to conduct them properly, ensuring that they do not disturb others. Traffic and pedestrians must not be obstructed,” Artes added.
On Tuesday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is preparing security for Duterte’s birthday rally in Davao del Norte today.
Police spokesperson Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said the event will be held at Rotary Plaza in New Corellia, Davao del Norte.
“Currently, Police Regional Office 11 is holding a meeting with the PSSO of the Davao LGU to plan the activities related to the former president’s birthday,” she said.
Fajardo did not specify whether they have monitored plans for birthday rallies in other parts of the country.
Meanwhile, a Catholic Archbishop has denied celebrating a special mass for the detained former president praying for his return to the country, saying that a Holy Mass is a sacred act of worship open to everybody and not to any person, group or for political cause.
In a statement, Archbishop Jose Cabantan of Cagayan de Oro said reports suggesting a special mass for Duterte were “categorically incorrect.”
He emphasized that afternoon Eucharistic celebration, like all Masses, is open to everyone and not dedicated to any particular person, group, or political cause.
“The Holy Mass is a sacred act of worship where the faithful gather to lift up their personal and communal intentions to God. It is never exclusive to any one person, group, or political cause,” Cabantan said.
The archbishop also addressed concerns about placards bearing pro-Duterte messages displayed outside the cathedral, saying that they were placed by individuals or groups attending Mass to pray for their own intentions.
While the Church welcomes all in prayer, he stressed its commitment to neutrality and ensuring that places of worship remain spaces of faith, reflection, and unity.
Cabantan urged the faithful to uphold peace, unity, and justice, warning against misinformation that could sow division.
“We urge everyone to seek truth from official Church sources and reject misinformation that sows discord,” he said.