INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Saturday that security preparations for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona) are “in place” as they anticipate demonstrations.
In an interview with Teleradyo, PNP Spokesperson Jean Fajardo said they expect protests to occur, whether rally permits are granted or not.
“We will probably have minor adjustments in the coming days if ever that rally permits will be granted,” Fajardo said in Filipino.
READ: What happens on Sona Day besides the President’s speech?
Fajardo noted that if the protesters will not be granted a permit to rally, they can hold it at the Quezon Memorial Circle or at the University of the Philippines (UP).
The Public Assembly Act of 1985 or the Batasan Pambansa (BP) 880 states that “the constitutional right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances is essential and vital to the strength and stability of the State.”
The law also states that a permit is required for holding protest in a public place while a permit is not required “if the public assembly shall be done or made in a freedom park duly established by law or ordinance or in private property, in which case only the consent of the owner or the one entitled to its legal possession is required, or in the campus of a government-owned and operated educational institution which shall be subject to the rules and regulations of said educational institution.”
Fajardo said that about 22,000 police officers will be deployed for the address.
She also added that Commonwealth, Quezon City is a no-rally zone, but protesters are allowed until Tandang Sora.
Kabataan Partylist on Thursday denounced the P20 million budget on meals, renovation, and other preparations for Sona, saying that it is “insensitive to the everyday struggles of the Filipinos which is the main agenda of Sona.”
READ: ‘Insensitive’: Group hits P20 million Sona 2024 budget, rules on outfits
Kabataan Partylist Executive Vice President Renee Co also called on the government to allow the protesters to come near the halls of Congress.
“Let’s touch some grass. If they want to make history with the ‘biggest Sona,’ then allow the people to enter the Batasang Pambansa. Let the protesters come nearer to the gilded halls of Congress so the people’s calls and grievances can be heard and addressed,” Co said.
As of Friday, no group has been given a permit to rally, according to Fajardo.
Fajardo also reminded that burning of effigy will not be allowed and they will arrest those who will violate the existing laws.
Under Section 13 of BP 880, “malicious” burning of objects on the streets is prohibited.