MANILA, Philippines—The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Saturday expressed concern over the Department of Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) memorandum banning mass gatherings ahead of the 2020 State of the Nation Address (SONA) that will take place on Monday.
CHR Spokesperson Atty. Jaqueline Ann de Guia said in a statement that the DILG’s decision has a deep contrast to the Philippine National Police’s stand that the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic will not be used to crack down dissent or dissenters.
“The change in messaging is stark: from PNP’s willingness to remind and assist protesters observe minimum health standards to express their opinion to a complete ban on mass gatherings,” said de Guia.
She also questioned the government’s decision to ban mass protests since studies from the United States and Australia showed that outdoor gatherings do not have a direct correlation to a spike in virus infections as long as protesters and organizers maintain social distancing and practice proper hygiene including washing of hands, wearing of face masks, and staying at home when feeling sick.
De Guia added that following health protocols is still of utmost importance but the basic right to free speech should never be curtailed even in the face of a pandemic.
“We must equally think of the implications to public health when we don’t demand accountability and better services from the government that has the obligation to protect its people,” said de Guia.