- On Wednesday, May 1st, 2024, labor groups and leftist organizations will hold demonstrations near the Batasang Pambansa Complex and traditional protest sites across Metro Manila in commemoration of Labor Day.
- Additionally, protests by transport groups and supporters are also expected, following the April 30th franchise consolidation deadline for jeepneys and utility vehicles (UV) under the public utility vehicles (PUV) modernization program.
- The southbound lanes of the EDSA-Kamuning Flyover will close for repair from May 1st, 2024, until October 25th, 2024. Alternate routes for private vehicles were provided by the MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority). Heavy traffic for the next 6 months within this area is expected.
- PSA reminds clients to exercise caution near places of mass gatherings as there is a risk that these may escalate to minor clashes between protestors and police. PSA also notes that the Philippine government may deport foreigners participating in any form of protest.
- PSA anticipates moderate to heavy traffic in protest sites and nearby areas. Clients who need to pass by these areas during these times are advised to plan ahead and consider leaving several hours earlier to avoid traffic.
Jeepney Consolidation Deadline and Labor Day Expected to Yield Combined Protests
On Wednesday, May 1st, 2024, Progressive groups such as Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), Kilusang Mayo Uno, Nagkaisa, and Associated Labor Unions (ALU)-TUCP, will hold a “solidarity march” in commemoration of Labor Day. The “solidarity march” is to call for the immediate passage of wage hike bills for workers that are still pending in the House of Representatives (HOR). Although the designated location and time have not been announced, it is likely that the demonstrations will occur within the area of the at the House of Representatives’ building, the Batasang Pambansa Complex, in Quezon City.
The groups said they are expecting about 20,000 participants to join in the march, but PSA notes that the actual number of participants are always lower than what these groups anticipate.
Protests by jeepney operators and transport groups are also expected on May 1, as the deadline for the public utility vehicle (PUV) consolidation, as mandated by the PUV Modernization program, is set the day before, April 30.
PSA expects demonstrations and rallies to be held in those freedom parks, in addition to the traditional protest venues across Metro Manila, namely:
Manila City
- Plaza Miranda (freedom park)
- Plaza Dilao (freedom park)
- Plaza Mariones (freedom park)
- Liwasang Bonifacio (freedom park)
- Taft Avenue
- Embassy of the United States of America
- Luneta Park
Caloocan City
- Monumento Circle
Makati City
- Embassy of the People’s Republic of China
Quezon City
- Welcome Rotonda
- Batasang Pambansa Complex
The comprehensive map of traditional protest sites can be found below:
PSA advises clients to avoid traditional protest sites and nearby areas due to potential security risks and possible high traffic disruptions. Additionally, PSA notes that there is a limited risk that protests may escalate to violence between protestors and police. On May 25, 2022, a small-scale violence broke out between protestors and police authorities in front of the Commission of Human Rights (CHR) in Quezon City. This allegedly resulted in protesters being water cannoned to disperse them. Additionally, a minor altercation occurred between transport group members and police authorities at the start of the transport strike on April 15, 2024.
Further, PSA strongly reminds clients that the Philippine government may deport foreigners who participate in any form of protest. The Bureau of Immigration issued Operation Under No. SBM-2015-025, obligating foreign tourists to limit their political rights during their stay in the Philippines. The order emphasizes that political rights are exclusive to Filipino citizens.
EDSA-Kamuning Flyover’s partial closure to commence on Labor Day
Starting May 1st until October 25th of 2024, Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA)-Kamuning flyover will partially close for repairs. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) clarified however that the southbound lanes of the flyover will be inaccessible. According to the MMDA, around 140,000 vehicles daily use the flyover. Given the situation, heavy traffic is anticipated in and within this area for the next 6 months. MMDA released a traffic rerouting map for motorists.
Please refer to the map below outlining the alternative routes for private vehicles provided by the MMDA:
Route 1: in blue
- From EDSA/Quezon Avenue (southbound), make a right turn to Panay Avenue.
- From Panay Avenue, make a left turn to Sergeant Esguerra Avenue.
- From Sergeant Esguerra Avenue, make a left turn into Timog Avenue.
- From Timog Avenue, make a right turn to EDSA Service Road.
Route 2: in orange
- From EDSA/Quezon Avenue (southbound), make a right turn to Mother Ignacia Avenue.
- From Mother Ignacia Avenue, make a left turn into Sergeant Esguerra Avenue.
- From Sergeant Esguerra Avenue, make a left turn into Timog Avenue.
- From Timog Avenue, make a right turn to EDSA Service Road.
Route 3: in green
- From EDSA/Quezon Avenue (southbound), make a right turn to Panay Avenue or Mother Ignacia Avenue.
- From Panay Avenue or Mother lgnacia Avenue, make a left turn to Sergeant Esguerra Avenue.
- From Sergeant Esguerra Avenue, continue straight to 11th Jamboree.
- From 11th Jamboree, make a left turn to Kamuning Road.
- From Kamuning Road, make a right turn to EDSA Service Road.
Route 4: in purple/violet
- From EDSA/Quezon Avenue (SB), make a right turn to Eugenio Lopez Jr. Drive or Scout Borromeo Street.
- From Eugenio Lopez Jr. Drive or Scout Borromeo Street, make a left turn to Sergeant Esguerra Avenue.
- From Sergeant Esguerra Avenue, make a left turn into Timog Avenue.
- From Timog Avenue, make a right turn to EDSA Service Road.
Route 5: in dark gray
- From EDSA/Quezon Avenue (SB), make a right turn to Eugenio Lopez Jr. Drive or Scout Borromeo Street.
- From Eugenio Lopez Jr. Drive or Scout Borromeo Street, make a left turn into Samar Avenue.
- From Samar Avenue, make a left turn at Timog Avenue.
- From Timog Avenue, make a right turn to EDSA Service Road.
PSA will advise clients as warranted.
