Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday called on local government units (LGUs) to permanently ban motorcades and vehicle caravans, whether for celebrations, festivals, or protests, citing potential oil-price increases and persistent tensions in the Middle East.
“I call on all Local Government Units (LGUs) to permanently ban motorcades and vehicle caravans/parades whether for celebrations, festivals, or political intent,” she stated in a message posted on her social media.
Duterte stressed that beyond the possibility of higher oil prices as U.S.-Israel-Iran tensions continue, such activities also contribute to air pollution and traffic congestion.
She encouraged protesters to seek alternative ways to express their views, especially ahead of a planned motorcade marking the one-year anniversary of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest on March 11.
“While I fully understand the desire to gather and express anger against the administration or show support to Former President Rodrigo Duterte, it is, however, more important to be mindful of how these activities impact others and the environment,” the vice president said.
On March 11, several pro-Duterte coalitions are set to conduct a motorcade rally at Villamor Air Base, where the former president was flown to The Hague, Netherlands a year ago to face crimes against humanity charges.
This is not the first time Duterte has pushed for such a measure. As mayor of Davao City, she previously signed an executive order banning campaign caravans and motorcades during the 2022 polls.
However, in the same election year, Duterte ran for vice president with her former running mate, now-President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., and conducted motorcade campaigns across the country.