Manila barangay leaders fed up with daily rallies

Enough is enough.

Some 40 barangay chairmen from the Legarda and Quiapo area in Manila lambasted yesterday militant groups and opposition leaders for continuing to cause tension among their constituents whenever they stage their demonstrations at Mendiola.

Alejandro Gomez, of Barangay 410 Zone 42 of the Quiapo area, said they are concerned over the problems brought about by the daily rallies in their areas.

"There is tension in the community because of possible dispersals. The residents in the area are also alarmed whenever they see increased police visibility in the area," he said during a press conference yesterday.

Victoria Aldaba, of Barangay 410 Zone 42 of the Legarda area, said that while they sympathize with the cause of the demonstrators, they cannot ignore the complaints of their constituents.

Gomez said rally groups often deface their surroundings, vandalize the area and leave behind their garbage in the streets.

"The residents are the ones cleaning up after their mess. Kami ang napapagod at napupuyat," he said.

He said many of the barangay chairmen, 16 from Quiapo and 22 from Legarda, have been receiving complaints from small entrepreneurs, including those based at Plaza Miranda that their income has been affected by the incessant rallies.

"We do not want to reach the point that these small businesses would close down. Kung gusto nila bumalik na lang sila sa Makati," he added.

Sister Tracila Rodis of Sta. Catalina College said parents fear for the safety of children enrolled in schools in the area.

Some children have also been missing their classes. School administrators said there has been a significant decline in the number of students.

The National Teachers College, Technical Institute of the Philippines, San Sebastian College, Centro Escolar University, Sta. Catalina College, St. Rita’s College, Arellano University and ABE Computer College are among the educational institutions that have been affected.

Gomez, along with other barangay leaders submitted their petition to Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, asking him to impose more stringent measures to stop demonstrators from marching to Mendiola Bridge.

"Ang hangad naming ay katahimikan. Kami sa barangay, gagamitin namin ang aming kakayanan, within the bounds of the law, para sa pangarap na katahimikan," he said.

After the meeting, Atienza said he too has been receiving similar reports and has to address the complaints of his constituents.

"I am now under severe pressure by barangay communities to take a stand on the issue. I welcome the complaints of training institutions. Their education is being sacrificed whenever they suspend classes. We cannot sacrifice the right of the greater majority," the mayor said.