An Information Technology (IT) student from a school in Manila broke down in tears on Tuesday, June 30, after failing to reach her campus along San Marcelino Street in time for a scheduled examination because of road closures following a lightning rally by members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC).

Several roads near Malacañang and other parts of Manila were temporarily closed Tuesday as members of the INC gathered along EDSA, particularly near the People Power Monument, to show support for Rodante Marcoleta, who is set to face a plunder complaint. The road closures caused heavy traffic and disrupted the morning commute of thousands of motorists, workers, and students.

"May exam po sana ako kaso hindi po ako makadaan kahit doon po sa kabila," the student said while crying in an interview with RH Noche Cacas on Rapido Hataw Balita.

"Yung exam ko mahuhuli na po ako," she added when asked why she was emotional.

The student said she had been trying to find an alternative route since early afternoon after traveling from the Malacañang area toward her university.

"Dapat pa po kanina, kaso wala po talagang madaanan, 1:00 pm pa po wala pong madaanan sa España," she said.

She appealed to her professor for consideration, expressing hope that she would be allowed to consult regarding her missed examination.

The rally prompted authorities to tighten security around Mendiola and the Malacañang compound, the official residence of the President, to prevent unauthorized entry into the high-security government complex.

Traffic congestion also worsened in several parts of Metro Manila as motorists were caught in long queues due to the demonstration.

Along EDSA White Plains, vehicles were left barely moving as the stretch resembled a parking lot because of the rally, while traffic also affected nearby roads connecting to major business and commercial districts.