Women’s group Gabriela on Monday, June 13, stressed that the people’s freedom of speech and expression, as well as the public’s right to demand accountability in the government should not be suppressed.
This was after Philippine National Police (PNP) Acting Police Chief Lieutenant General Vicente Danao stated that they will only “allow” rallyists who will support the new administration and shout “Mabuhay si Bongbong Marcos!” on his inauguration set by the end of the month.
“Ginagarantiyahan ng konstitusyon at ng mga batas ng Pilipinas ang karapatan ng mamamayan sa malayang pamamahayag, mapayapang pagtitipon, at ipetisyon ang pamahalaan para sa pagtugon sa kanilang mga hinaing (The Philippine constitution and laws guarantee the people’s right to free speech, peaceful assembly, and to petition the government to address their grievances),” said Gabriela Secretary General Joms Salvador in a press statement.
Salvador then reiterated that ensuring the protection of the basic rights of the people should be the PNP’s priority rather than any interest of those who are aiming to “suppress” the people.
Meanwhile, President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr’s inauguration will be held at the National Museum grounds along Padre Burgos Avenue in Manila on June 30, 2022.