The Quezon City government clarified that there is no fee to access the Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC) Elevated Promenade, following reports that visitors were being asked to pay.
On Sunday, February 1, the city government addressed an incident in which a Filipino and a foreigner were asked to pay P10 each at the promenade that connects the Quezon Memorial Circle and the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center.
According to a Reddit post, the incident occurred as the visitors were about to go down the promenade when a security guard told them they needed to pay.
The poster noted that no “stub” was given to them, but they did not want “to think too much about it” since they are not accustomed to visiting public parks.
“I saw some coins din sa table na parang payment ng iba, so ‘di lang kami pinagbayad,” the Redditor said.
They later told their companion, “I think we were not supposed to pay the guard… there’s no way it’s a payment for bridge use,” the Redditor said.
The Reddit user reported the incident and raised awareness in the r/Philippines community, stating that they “believe that corruption has to be cut at every level.”
The guard asked us to pay 10pesos in the elevated bridge in circle and I stupidly paid
byu/islawanderings inQuezonCity
The Quezon City government clarified that access to the QMC Elevated Promenade is free of charge, and any attempts to collect fees are unauthorized and strictly prohibited.
It added that the security guards in the area are outsourced personnel from a third-party agency, and the incident has already been reported for immediate action.
The local government also stated that it will conduct its own investigation to hold those responsible accountable and prevent similar incidents in the future.
“Makakaasa kayo na patuloy naming pagbubutihin ang mga serbisyo sa mga pampublikong lugar sa ating lungsod,” it said in a statement.
The QMC Elevated Promenade opened to the public last November.
It was designed to expand open and green spaces in Quezon City.
The promenade is adorned with plants and lights and features bike ramps, seating areas, and benches for both cyclists and pedestrians.