CHR to PNP : Dissent is part of a vibrant democracy

The Commission on Human Rights office in Quezon City. (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has renewed its call for the Philippine National Police (PNP) to continue protecting people’s freedom of expression and rights.

CHR Executive Director Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia expressed concern over the statement of PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. that only pro-administration rallies are allowed near the inuaguration of President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s on June 30 at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila.

READ: Will PNP allow rallyists near Marcos inauguration? Danao says only if they’re shouting ‘mabuhay’

“While we note his concern in keeping the inauguration orderly, CHR continues to stress the primacy of upholding human rights, as similarly stressed by the President-elect himself during a meeting with the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines on Friday, 10 June 2022,” De Guia said in a statement Wednesday.

READ: Bongbong Marcos commits to human rights accountability, says UN envoy

“The freedom of speech, of expression, and the right of the people peaceably to assemble are guaranteed rights under the 1987 Constitution. These rights are meant to be enjoyed by all—regardless of whether they express dissent or support, may it be spoken or in any other form,” the CHR executive added.

De Guia also reiterated that during protests, police authorities must “practice maximum tolerance” and adhere to directions on peaceful dispersal if deemed necessary.

“CHR reminds our government leaders and authorities that criticism or dissent is part of a vibrant and functioning democracy,” she further stressed.

The commission, at the same time, echoed the call for rallyists to “never resort to violence or harm” when exercising their inalienable rights.

Danao’s sentiment has since been clarified by PNP director for operations Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon, saying they were merely being cautious of left-leaning groups.

“We have no problem on that dahil mayroong namang [karapatan] ang mga kababayan na gustong mag-air ng kanilang mga hinaing at issues,” he said in a Wednesday press briefing. “But what we are worried about is ‘yong mahaluan ito ng mga left-leaning groups.”

(We have no problem on that because they have the right to air-out their concerns and issues, but what we are worried about is the possibility of the presence of left-leaning groups in these rallies.)

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