Senator Grace Poe. PHOTO FROM POE’S FACEBOOK PAGE
Senator Grace Poe has filed a resolution seeking a Senate investigation into the violent dispersal and “ruthless plowing” of protesters outside the US Embassy in Manila on Wednesday.
In Senate Resolution No. 210, Poe urged the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs chaired by Senator Panfilo Lacson to conduct the probe aimed at formulating measures that would ensure the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) compliance with its own rules of engagement, deter the use of excessive force during public assemblies and ensure accountability.
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“Though it could be argued that the protesters might have crossed the line at some point during the violent dispersal, it is clear that the act of repeatedly ramming over numerous protesters with a police van without due regard to their presence and safety is an act worthy of utmost condemnation and should be labeled barbaric and illegal,” Poe said in a statement on Thursday.
In the resolution, the senator reminded the government of its prime duty “to serve and protect the people, to maintain peace and order, to protect life, liberty and property, and the promotion of the general welfare, which are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy.”
She said the government was established to protect the people, “thus, its power should not be unleashed against defenseless citizens.”
Poe also pointed out the people’s right, as provided for in the Constitution, to free speech and their right to peaceably assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.
“Although the right to assemble can be regulated, it can only be done with regard to the time, place, and manner,” the resolution said.
“However, when necessary, its limitation should only be due to a danger of a character both grave and imminent, of a serious evil to public safety, public morals, public health or any other legitimate public interest.”
Poe said the rule of law, the rules of engagement, and civility should never be compromised, especially by government forces, “since it is upon them that the ultimate power and machinery of the State reside.”
“There is a serious need to re-asses and possibly, formulate the PNP’s rules of engagement in order to ensure that government forces will not cross the line during such encounters,” the resolution said.
“It also goes without saying that due process must be followed to ensure that police officers who cross the line during violent dispersal will be made liable and accountable for their actions,” it further said. RAM/rga