The extensive grounds of Malacanang comprise one of the few parks in Manila, with tropical shrubbery, century old acacia trees, and even a balete or two. The acacias are festooned with the cactus like 'Queen of the Night.' The broad lawns, lush trees and greenery indicate how Manila may have been when it was less populous and times were more leisurely.
The public garden now known as 'Freedom Park' fronts the Administration and Executive Buildings. It has statues symbolizing the four freedoms (religion, expression, want and fear), that were brought to Malacanang from the Manila International Fair of the 1950s. The statues were long forgotten at the cogon field that Rizal Park then was, when First Lady Eva Macapagal retrieved them.
Nagtatanong lang po. Kasi I got the idea from Jose Sison btw:
There is an area in front of Malacañang long known as "Freedom Park", but who will believe that rallyists can assemble there when they can’t even pass through Mendiola because of CPR?
Aba! Kaya nga ang tawag diyan ay "Freedom Park" eh. Syempre dapat pwede yan!
UPDATE: Pwede rin kaya sa Mendiola Bridge? From Manila Standard, June 27, 2004:
Mendiola Bridge is a freedom park, not a restricted area.
In a virtual reprimand, Malacañang yesterday reminded local government units, particularly Manila officials that they should have a park for groups to exercise freedom of expression.
“If protest groups cannot get permits, each LGU should have a designated freedom park where people can assemble freely and express their sentiments even without a permit,” said Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye in reaction to complaints from militant and opposition groups that they are unable to get rally permits.
More than a week ago, Manila police dispersed a rally of Fernando Poe Jr. supporters reportedly without provocation. The group later said Manila City Hall sat on its application for a rally permit.
That same day, Manila police chief Pedro Bulaong stressed that for the moment, there would be no freedom park in the city of Manila. For his part, Mayor Lito Atienza reminded protest groups that the “no permit, no rally” policy will be strictly enforced.
Amid reports of a destabilization plot, the Malacañang Palace Complex remained under tight guard with barbed wire, trailer trucks and presidential guards blocking every entrance.
Mendiola Bridge, a designated freedom park, was declared as restricted area.
UPDATE: And for those who don't believe na may lugar called "Freedom Park" sa Malacanang Complex, check out this address from World Trade Link (a company that sells coffee beans).
Contact InformationCompany Name: World Trade Link
Contact Person: Mr Jason Naez
Address: 262 Freedom Park, Malacanang Complex, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
UPDATE: More from Rizalist: Equal Protection and the Freedom Parks Injunction
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