INC stages second day of protest rally at EDSA

Welcome to The Manila Times, where we bring you stories that shape our world. Today is July 1st. Our top story: The rally by the Iglesia ni Cristo at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City enters its second day. Unlike yesterday’s rally, today’s gathering was granted a permit by the Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety. The MMDA has adjusted concrete barriers to allow traffic to flow in EDSA. It denied allegations of double standards over its handling of illegally parked vehicles yesterday. There were questions why the vehicles were not towed despite blocking major roads. MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said the agency attempted several times to tow the unattended vehicles. However, they decided to stand down. Artes said towing the vehicles could trigger resistance and lead to a confrontation with police officers. Instead of towing the vehicles, the MMDA will issue citation tickets through the No Contact Apprehension Policy to all unattended vehicles. He also warned today’s rally participants to park only in the designated parking area along Temple Drive. He said vehicles parked along EDSA instead of the designated parking area will be issued citation tickets for illegal parking. Read more: https://tmt.news/2376374 President Marcos is reminding the Philippine Air Force or PAF to remain faithful to their constitutional duty. The Commander-in-Chief attended the PAF’s 79th founding anniversary celebration held at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. This constitutional duty, he said, includes protecting the people and defending the democratic institutions that safeguard our freedoms. The President also stressed that the Air Force must always uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and integrity. Pagasa has lifted the storm signal over Zambales, Bataan, and Lubang Islands. However, Tropical Depression “Henry” maintained its strength while moving over the West Philippine Sea. According to Pagasa, Henry will gradually intensify and may reach tropical storm category by tomorrow evening. However, it is moving away from the Philippine landmass. “Henry” may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility this evening or early morning tomorrow. Read more: https://tmt.news/2376325 The Senate has started its investigation into the Tacloban school shooting that left three students dead. Six of the relatives of the victims were invited to the Senate inquiry. Two of them were present at the Senate while the four others participated online. The investigation is being conducted by the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality. Aside from the June 22 shooting incident at San Jose National High School, the committee is also looking into the link between online gaming platforms and violence among the youth. Read more: https://tmt.news/2376373 Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala will not be facing American tennis legend Serena Williams in the second round of the women’s singles competition at Wimbledon. Williams’ return to Wimbledon was foiled by Australian Maya Joint. The score was 6-3, 6-7, and 6-3. It was the first singles match in four years for the 44-year-old Williams, who is a seven-time Wimbledon champion. Williams’ defeat means Eala will play against Maya Joint in the next round. Eala earlier dominated Mexican Renata Zarazúa in their first-round encounter. The score was 6-1, 6-2. Read more: https://tmt.news/2376380 For more news and information, read The Manila Times on print, subscribe to its digital edition or log on to www.manilatimes.net. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and LinkedIn; and be part of our communities on Viber, Telegram, WhatsApp and Mastodon. That’s all for now on The Manila Times newscast. Stay tuned for more updates throughout the day. Remember to stay safe, stay informed, and stay connected.