Mendiola Street is a short but wide street in the neighbourhood of San Miguel neighbourhood in Manila. It was named in honour of Enrique Mendiola, a teacher, author of several books and a member of the first Board of Trustees of the University of the Philippines. Part of the street is occupied by the Mendiola Bridge, also known as the Chino Rochez Bridge. Mendiola Street itself begins at the intersection of Legarda Street and Ave. Claro Recto and ends at Jose Laurel Street, right in front of the Malacanang Palace. It is home to several colleges and universities that form what is known as the Manila University Park.
Mendiola Street is famous because it was and still is where protests against the Mendiola Street is famous for the protests against the government, which sits in the Malacanang Palace, often turning into violent clashes. Thus, in January 1970, during the reign of Ferdinand Marcos, the so-called Battle of the Mendiola Bridge took place here, as a result of which four demonstrators died. In 1987, police dispersing a crowd of demonstrators opened fire on protesting peasants demanding land reform. 13 people were killed and hundreds injured. Finally, in 2001, supporters of President Joseph Estrada, angered by his arrest and removal from office, marched down Mendiola Street to demand his release. Clashes began between demonstrators and police, which escalated into an attempt to storm the Malacañang Palace. People began smashing shops and burning private cars, causing millions of pesos in damage.
In the aftermath, strict security measures were put in place at Malacanang Palace and it was decided to close half of the street from the gates of the College of the Holy Spirit and the College of the Consolacion to protect the government residence.
