The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said on Sunday that they expected the Philippine National Police (PNP) to protect and facilitate the right of various groups and individuals to peacefully protest during President Ferdinand“ Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
In a statement, the CHR underscored the important role of law enforcers and duty-bearers in enabling citizens to exercise their rights in a safe and secure environment.
“SONA has also become a vital platform for various groups and individuals to express their views, stances, and grievances on critical national issues, which is integral to a vibrant and thriving democracy,” the commission said.
“By ensuring that these rights are upheld, the government expresses its dedication to democratic principles and protection of human rights,” it added.
The PNP had recommended that protesters be allowed only up to Commonwealth Avenue-Tandang Sora Avenue during the SONA to avoid heavy traffic near the Batasang Pambansa complex.
It also suggested to the Quezon City government that they allow pro-administration rallies around the Commission on Audit (COA) building area.
Meanwhile, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said on Saturday that local law enforcers would not arrest anyone who burns effigies more than 100 meters from the SONA.
The CHR thus welcomed the PNP’s move to uphold the provisions under the Batas Pambansa Blg. 880 or The Public Assembly Act of 1985.
The act states that the constitutional right to peaceably “assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances is essential and vital to the strength and stability of the State.”
Therefore, the State “shall ensure the free exercise of such right without prejudice to the rights of others to life, liberty and equal protection of the law.”
The CHR also called on the PNP to treat SONA protesters with maximum tolerance.
“We are hopeful that the PNP’s statement of assurance will translate to efforts by State forces to protect and facilitate the right to peaceful protest and the practice of maximum tolerance at all times, all in the same manner that they will endeavor to ensure peace and order before, during, and after the program,” it said.
PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo had said that two to three groups had applied for a permit to rally on SONA day.
And in case there was an attempt to get near the Batasan Complex, Fajardo added that police would ensure that protesters stayed in their designated areas.
Around 22,000 police officers would be deployed to secure the SONA, according to the PNP. — DVM, GMA Integrated News
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