8,000 expected to join 'Million People March' to Ayala

MANILA, Philippines - Authorities are expecting around 8,000 people to join the anti-pork barrel rally in Makati City.

Senior Superintendent Manuel Lukban, Makati police chief, said security is now tight around the city for the "Million People March" to Ayala Friday afternoon.

Lukban said he dispatched 50 policemen early Friday to assist in maintaining the flow of traffic and assist motorists as portions of Makati were close to traffic because of the event.

Aside from traffic, policemen were deployed to inspect the venue of the protest action along Ayala Avenue.

Lukban said 300 to 400 more police officers will be deployed later in the area around 3 p.m.

Makati City’s Traffic department said that as early as 10 a.m., the stretch of Paseo de Roxas from the the corner of Ayala Avenue to Sedeño Street was closed to traffic to set up a stage in front of the Ninoy Aquino statue.

At 2 p.m. onwards, both lanes of Ayala Avenue from Makati Avenue up to Herrera St. will also be closed to traffic for the people’s assembly.

Passenger buses from EDSA shall turn right to Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. toward their destination or turn right to Ayala Avenue, right turn to Makati Avenue, and left turn to Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue toward destination.

All PUBs coming from the South Luzon Expressway, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue and Pasay City shall take Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, turn left to EDSA towards destination.

Meanwhile, public utility jeepneys and light vehicles from J.P. Rizal shall make a right turn to Makati Avenue, right turn to Paseo De Roxas, right turn to Villar St., left turn to E.P. Leviste St., left turn to V.A. Rufino St., then right turn at Ayala Avenue toward destination.

Vehicles from Washington St. shall take right turn to Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, right turn to Ayala Avenue, right turn to Salcedo St., left turn to Benavidez St. toward Esperanza St, right turn to Makati Avenue, right turn to Arnaiz Avenue, right turn Paseo De Roxas, left turn Dela Rosa St., right turn Salcedo St., then left turn at Ayala Avenue toward destination.

All vehicles from McKinley Road going toward CBD/Legaspi Village shall take Arnaiz Avenue, right turn to Paseo De Roxas toward destination and vice versa.

Motorists bound for Salcedo Village will be allowed to enter Ayala Avenue then make a right turn to Apartment Ridge, left turn to Sta. Potenciana, then left turn to Paseo De Roxas toward destination.