By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
MANDALUYONG CITY — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has assured the public of close coordination with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the City of Manila local government unit (LGU) to ensure smooth transport and traffic management during the planned three-day (Nov. 16-28) rally of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) at the Luneta Park.
This supports the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. to uphold public order and ensure the safe and efficient mobility of citizens during large-scale events while respecting the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez said that the DOTr is actively working with relevant agencies to minimize traffic disruptions and maintain access for public transport vehicles and emergency responders throughout the event.
“We’re coordinating closely with the MMDA, LTFRB, and the City of Manila government to manage traffic flow and rerouting,” Lopez said.
“Our goal is to minimize inconvenience to commuters while respecting the group’s right to assemble,” he added.
The DOTr, through the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), will implement temporary route adjustments and deploy additional public utility buses to accommodate commuters affected by road closures and heavy traffic near the monument.
“Some routes will be adjusted, especially along EDSA and nearby roads. We’re directing LTFRB and operators to deploy additional buses and ensure safe loading areas for passengers,” Lopez said.
The DOTr Chief also advised commuters to plan trips ahead of time and use alternative routes or rail lines, noting that the DOTr, in partnership with the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) management, will provide real-time advisories through official social media channels.
“We advise commuters to plan trips ahead and use alternative routes or rail lines when possible at iwasan ang affected areas para hindi maipit sa traffic,” Lopez said.
According to MMDA projections, up to 300,000 participants daily are expected to gather at the Luneta Park during the INC’s “Peaceful Rally for Transparency.”
The rally, originally planned to take place at the People Power Monument in Quezon City, was approved through a letter dated Oct. 30, 2025 to be held instead at Rizal Park in Manila.
The DOTr said that its monitoring and coordination teams will be on standby to provide technical support and public assistance throughout the three-day activity.
Lopez stressed that the DOTr’s role in the inter-agency effort underscores the Marcos administration’s commitment to ensuring safe, organized, and people-centered mobility during major national gatherings.
“The DOTr stands ready to support the MMDA, City of Manila, and other agencies in maintaining order and accessibility. Public safety and efficient transport are at the heart of our mandate lalo na sa ganitong malalaking pagtitipon,” Lopez said.###
