President Marcos will not stop planned rallies by various groups this month, but Malacañang reminded protesters that their activities must strictly comply with the law.

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said this ahead of planned demonstrations by groups such as Kabataan and several farmer organizations in Manila on Oct. 17 and 21 to call for accountability over the ongoing flood control controversy and other national issues.

In her press briefing, Castro said the President respects the constitutional right to peaceful assembly but underscored that no one is above the law.

“Kung ang kanilang mga protesta ay naaayon sa batas, hindi naman po ’yan pipigilan ng Pangulo (If their protests are within the law, the President will not stop them),” she said Monday, Oct. 13.

“Ang tangi lamang pong hiling ng Pangulo ay kung kayo ay magpoprotesta ay dapat naaayon sa batas (The President only asks that protests must be lawful),” she added.

The Palace Press Officer cautioned that groups conducting unlawful demonstrations could face legal consequences, just like those who were involved in the violence that erupted during the protests in Manila on Sept. 21.

“Kung hindi po ito naaayon sa batas, at kayo po ay lumalabag na, dapat po siguro kayong kasuhan (If these are not lawful and you are already violating the law, then perhaps you should be charged),” she said.

Castro said President Marcos has chosen to ignore political agitation as he continues to focus on governance and disaster response.

“Ang Pangulo ay abala sa pagtatrabaho at kung ano man po ang pamumulitikang ginagawa ng iba, hindi po ’yan pinapansin sa ngayon ng Pangulo (The President is busy working and is not paying attention to political posturing by others),” she said.

She added that the Chief Executive remains firm in prioritizing the government’s ongoing rehabilitation and relief operations nationwide.

“Ang Pangulo po ay abala. Nakita niyo po kung paano niya tinugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng mga taong nasalanta at ngayon ay apektado ng lindol at mga pagbaha (The President is busy addressing the needs of those affected by earthquakes and floods),” she said.

Castro appealed to rally organizers to use their time and energy to help in relief and recovery efforts.

“Sana mas maging abala rin ang mga kababayan natin na tugunan din po ang mga pangangailangan na iba nating mga kababayan na nasalanta (We hope our countrymen would also focus their energies on helping those affected),” she said.