Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Saturday, July 25, assured that protest actions can be held during the 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Duterte on Monday, July 27.
“The right of the people to peacefully assemble for the redress of grievances is a fundamental right protected by the Constitution,” he told reporters.
“Its lawful exercise, however, such as with respect to the time and place where it may be carried out, is subject to reasonable regulation by the authorities in the interest of public order, health, and safety,” Guevarra reminded those who plan to stage protests.
Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac admitted that he prefers protesters airing their complaints and grievances through social media to prevent the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
“To those who would insist on holding a protest action, they could go to the UP (University of the Philippines Diliman) Campus where they would be allowed to protest,” he advised.
“It would be the individual’s responsibility for them not to get sick, not to be infected by the coronavirus,” Banac also said.
Regardless, Banac assured that “security preparations for the President’s SONA are all set.”
However, Commonwealth Avenue near Batasang Pambansa would be closed for mass gatherings on Monday, according to Metro Manila police chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas.
Sinas also said that at least 7,500 policemen, soldiers and personnel of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will be deployed on Monday to secure the areas leading to the Batasan Pambansa.