THE DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has reminded Metro Manila mayors to strictly implement the “no permit, no rally” policy during next week’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) meetings.
“Although our laws ensure the free exercise of the people’s right to peaceably assemble and petition the government, we would like to reiterate that we have to observe proper guidelines, including seeking permits to conduct public rallies,” Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento said in a recent press statement.
In a memorandum circular issued to local government units (LGUs) and DILG officials in the metropolis, Sarmiento said that the guidelines were necessary “in order to ensure public order and safety during the upcoming meeting of the [Apec leaders].”
He added that while the LGUs may approve rally permits, applications could also be denied “in cases where there is clear and convincing evidence that the public assembly will create a clear and present danger to public order, safety and convenience and subject to proper procedures in accordance [with] Batas Pambansa Blg. 880.”
Sarmiento pointed out that rally permits would not be required if the public assembly was to be conducted in a lawfully-recognized freedom park, a private property with the consent of the owner, or inside a government-owned and operated campus subject to school regulations.
At the same time, he reminded LGUs that applications for rally permits should be acted upon within two working days, otherwise these would be considered approved.
In the same memorandum circular, Sarmiento also directed the Philippine National Police to strictly observe the “maximum tolerance” policy and respect the human rights of protestors. Even the dispersal of rallyists without permits should be done peacefully, he said.
A coalition of civil society groups protesting the Apec summit, however, has criticized the DILG chief, saying the imposition of “the no permit, no rally policy [was] actually a ban on all forms of mass actions… critical of Apec.”
“It is a blatant assault on the people’s right to free speech and peaceful assembly,” said Teddy Casiño, a former congressman and now the spokesperson of the People’s Campaign Against Apec and Imperialist Globalization.
Starting this week, the group will be holding a series of international conferences, protests and other events to serve as a “counterpoint” to the Apec summit.
Expected to attend the international event are world leaders, including US President Barack Obama, Russia President Vladimir Putin, Indonesia President Joko Widodo and new Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.