MANILA – No arrests will be made against protesters who will burn effigies during President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) this afternoon in Quezon City
According to Mayor Joy Belmonte, under Batas Pambansa Bilang 880 or “The Public Assembly Act of 1985,” only the “malicious burning” of any object on the streets within 100 meters from the area of public assembly is prohibited.
“Wala po tayong aarestuhin. In fact, ‘yung binanggit na batas, ang ating (Quezon City Police District) QCPD with regards to effigy, nung pinag-aralan ko po yung batas, it refers to the distance,” said Belmonte.
“Kung within 100 meters (from the Batasang Pambansa where the SONA will be held), bawal po ‘yung magsunog ng effigy. Pero beyond 100 meters, wala naman pong binanggit ‘yung batas na bawal,” she added.
Belmonte’s statement came days after QCPD director Brigadier General Redrico Maranan said they will arrest protesters who will burn effigies during the SONA as it is prohibited under the Section 13 of the Batas Pambansa 880 or the Public Assembly Act.
The burning of effigies has been a tradition of militant groups during the SONA regardless of the president.
Anti-government groups will hold their protest near Diliman Doctors Hospital along Commonwealth Avenue, while the pro-government group will conduct their activity near Sandiganbayan, also along Commonwealth Avenue.
Meanwhile, Belmonte said that the protesters, whether pro- or anti-government, should have a permit before holding their rallies.
“Ang importante talaga ay hindi pwede mag-rally nang walang rally permit. Wala po tayong pipigilan na mag-rally because we would like to preserve the right to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly which are mandated in our Constitution,” said Belmonte.
Up to 22,000 police officers will secure the SONA. Of the number, 6,000 will be deployed near the Batasang Pambansa complex where Marcos will deliver his public address./PN
