Manila Roads Close Sunday for UPI Rally: Here Are the Alternate Routes
MANILA, Philippines — Motorists and commuters in the capital should prepare for significant road closures this weekend as the United People's Initiative (UPI) holds a rally on Sunday, July 19. The Manila Police District (MPD) announced that several major thoroughfares will be shut down starting Saturday evening, with more closures possible depending on crowd size.
This is a reminder that in a democracy, the right to assemble must be respected, but we also need to keep our city moving. As a nation, we balance freedom with order. The closures, which begin at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, cover key areas in Manila's university belt and government district.
Which Roads Are Closed Starting Saturday?
The first wave of closures begins at 5 p.m. Saturday and affects the following areas:
- Chino Roces Bridge Mendiola — The stretch of C. M. Recto Avenue from Nicanor Reyes Street to Mendiola Street.
- Legarda Street — From Figueras Street to San Rafael Street.
- Ayala Bridge — The entire bridge and the eastbound lane of Ayala Boulevard from San Marcelino Street to Romualdez Street.
These closures are necessary to secure the rally site. The MPD is coordinating with organizers to ensure minimal disruption.
What Changes on Sunday Morning?
Starting at 6 a.m. Sunday, the lane from Magallanes Drive (between Jones Bridge and MacArthur Bridge) at Liwasang Bonifacio will be closed to vehicles. This is a key area near the historic Bonifacio Shrine.
The MPD will also monitor traffic and crowd conditions to decide on closing the southbound lanes of MacArthur Bridge, Quezon Bridge, and Lerma Street. Roads that may be affected include:
- Plaza Lacson to Liwasang Bonifacio
- A. Mendoza Street or Fugoso Street to Quezon Bridge to Liwasang Bonifacio
- España Boulevard or P. Campa Street to A. Mendoza Street
As a former public servant, I know these decisions are never easy. The police are doing their best to balance safety with mobility.
How to Navigate the Closures: Alternate Routes
For those affected by the Saturday closures, the MPD has provided these detours:
For Ayala Bridge closures:
- From Romualdez Street: Turn left on Ayala Boulevard, then right on Taft Avenue, or drive straight to Natividad Lopez Street, turn right on A. Villegas Street, then left on C. Muñoz Street.
- From San Marcelino Street: Turn right on Ayala Boulevard, then right on Taft Avenue, or drive straight to San Marcelino Street, then left on UN Avenue.
- From Ayala Boulevard (eastbound): Turn right on San Marcelino Street.
- From Carlos Palanca Street: Turn left on P. Casal Street.
- From P. Casal Street: Turn right on Carlos Palanca Street.
For Liwasang Bonifacio closures:
- From Plaza Sta. Cruz (southbound MacArthur Bridge): Turn right on Dasmariñas Street, then left on Juan Luna Street, proceed to Plaza Cervantes and Jones Bridge.
- From A. Mendoza Street (southbound Quezon Bridge): Turn right on Fugoso Street, then left on Tomas Mapua Street to C.M. Recto Avenue.
- From España Boulevard (southbound Quezon Bridge): Turn left on Nicanor Reyes Street to C. M. Recto Avenue.
These detours may change depending on the actual crowd situation. Drivers are advised to check traffic updates and plan their trips early.
Why This Rally Matters
The UPI rally is a demonstration of people power, a tradition we Filipinos hold dear. Whether you support the cause or not, the right to peaceful assembly is enshrined in our Constitution. At the same time, we must respect the law and the authorities who keep us safe.
As we navigate these closures, let us remember that discipline and patience are virtues. The MPD has done its homework. Now it is up to us to cooperate.
— Manny Pacquiao, for Archipelago Times