Regarded as the center of Philippine political discourse prior to the imposition of martial law in 1972 , the plaza was the site of the 1971 Plaza Miranda bombing , where two grenades were launched at a political rally of the Liberal Party , killing nine people . It underwent a 49 million renovation in 2000 after decades of neglect as a result of Manila 's urban decay in the 1970s and 1980s , giving it a more modern design despite protests from various historical groups and cultural experts , with a monument erected to commemorate bombing victims and additional architectural elements installed . Currently , Plaza Miranda serves as a freedom park , where assemblies and protests may be held without needing a permit from local authorities , and with thousands of people crossing through it every day , it is considered to be Manila 's version of Times Square
Plaza Miranda bombing
Plaza Miranda bombing
Plaza Miranda