Quezon City suspends classes and bans alcohol for SONA

MANILA, Philippines – To ensure public safety during President Marcos’ third State of the Nation Address (SONA), the Quezon City government today ordered the suspension of classes in all public and private schools.

In addition, to reduce the risk of alcohol-related incidents in the city, an alcohol ban was imposed from midnight to early evening.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said in a statement that the suspension of classes affects all grade levels and includes Brigada Eskwela activities in public schools.

“The suspension is intended to minimize the impact of the road closures and the expected heavy traffic on residents and students,” Belmonte said.

The Quezon City Police District also announced yesterday the implementation of public safety and order measures, including a statewide gun ban and a citywide alcohol ban.

QCPD Director Brigadier General Redrico Maranan urged the public to “cooperate and comply with regulations for the benefit of all.”

He noted that while the gun ban is in effect, all permits to carry firearms outside residence are suspended, but exempt from this rule are members of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcement agencies while on duty and in prescribed uniform.

The purpose of this ban is to prevent firearms-related incidents and to ensure the safety of the public during SONA.

Number coding remains

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority announced yesterday that the number coding system would not be suspended today.

MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes said the suspension of the number coding system could lead to an increase in the number of vehicles on the roads and thus greater traffic congestion.

“The number coding system remains in effect to manage traffic congestion in Metro Manila, especially in the areas around the Batasan Complex,” Artes said.

Only SONA guests and persons with a gate pass are exempt from the number coding system.

The MMDA had previously announced alternative routes and the deployment of around 1,300 personnel to handle the expected heavy traffic flow, especially in Quezon City, where SONA activities will be concentrated.

Vic Nuñez, director of the MMDA’s traffic monitoring group, said they conducted last-minute clearance operations in areas near Batasan Complex and Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.

He added that they would deploy a new high-tech mobile command center to monitor the SONA. The command center features the latest surveillance technology, smart-enabled devices, an advanced multi-display video wall system, graphics and display controllers, 360-degree cameras and a satellite system.