Activist group vows to follow health protocols during SONA protests

MANILA, Philippines — An activist group part of teams organizing protest movements for the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) has assured the public that they would be following health protocols to avoid coronavirus transmissions.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said on Tuesday that they are aware of the risks brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting them to require protesters to maintain physical distancing and wear protective equipment like face masks in previous demonstrations.

According to Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes, they are also looking to shorten the programs for those who can be physically present when President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his fifth SONA on Monday, July 27.

“As we assert our fundamental rights, we too are conscious of the health situation. We need to look out for each other and practice social solidarity amid physical distancing,” Reyes said in a statement.

“Face masks, disinfectants and physical distancing are now requirements in every mass action. Programs have been shortened to minimize the exposure of the participants. Vulnerable persons are advised to attend online protests instead of physical protests. Health marshals and first aid teams are deployed for every event,” he added.

Bayan also thanked Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte after the local executive allowed rallies, although to a limited extent, to allow protesters to air their side.

Belmonte said on Tuesday said the local government will allow rallies as long as the groups have secured permits from the police and the city government.

Reyes explains that there are a lot of issues hounding the current administration that would necessitate protests.  Activist groups and opposition personalities have criticized the government’s supposedly misplaced priorities after the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 and the shutdown of network giant ABS-CBN were done swiftly while the country is reeling from the health crisis’ effects.

“Today, there are many reasons to go out and protest even during this pandemic. The passage of the terror law, the shutdown of ABS-CBN, the dismal pandemic response of the national government and the worsening economic crisis are just some of the issues that have galvanized the broad unity now known as #SONAgKAISA.,” he said.

This is not the first instance that a rally would be held while the pandemic is still going on, as groups have staged at protests last June for the alleged railroading of the terror bill, for the Independence Day, and for the ABS-CBN shutdown.

Despite the numerous programs prior to the Sona, authorities including those from the Philippine National Police have urged protesters to do their programs online to avoid jeopardizing their welfare and public health.[ac]