Palace assures maximum tolerance for protesters

MAXIMUM TOLERANCE will be observed today, Sept. 21, as various groups mark the National Day of Protest, coinciding with the 46th anniversary of the declaration of martial law by late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, Malacañang said yesterday. Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr., in a press briefing at the Palace, said maximum tolerance is prescribed by the law and that is what President Rodrigo R. Duterte adheres to. “So, we will give maximum tolerance to everyone; because, after all, the President was not the one who declared martial law on September 21 many years ago,” he said. As for the threat of destabilization against the Duterte administration, Mr. Roque said: “It’s not anything that the state cannot deal with; dream on to those who want to remove the President.” Mr. Duterte officially declared Sept. 21 as the National Day of Protest last year through Proclamation No. 319. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Manila District Traffic Enforcement Unit (MDTEU) advised motorists traversing Manila City to take alternate routes on Friday and Sunday as several roads will be closed for activities in commemoration of martial law. Starting 6 a.m. today, the following will be closed: North and south-bound lanes of Roxas Boul. from Katigbak to Pres. Quirino Ave.; Eastbound lane of TM Kalaw from Ma. Orosa to Taft Ave.; and east and west-bound lanes of TM Kalaw from M.H Del Pilar to Roxas Blvd. —