The group also said the 21 were also required to pay a processing fee of ₱2,500. They were also asked to give an affidavit of undertaking, a waiver, a house sketch, barangay certification of residency and clearance, nine copies of 2×2 photos.
“The whole process just shows how anti-poor the current justice system is,” said Nanoy Rafael from the Save San Roque Alliance. “From the bail bond- which is equivalent to more than a month’s wage, to the mountain of requirements – these already put the marginalized families at a disadvantage.”
The 21 had staged a protest clamoring for food aid, which they said they have not yet received. Authorities said this was in violation of the rules against mass gatherings in place while Luzon is under an enhanced community quarantine.
The local government of Quezon City denied these claims, saying there has been “continuous distribution of food packs throughout the city, both from the local government and the barangays to ensure that affected families are looked after during this crisis period.”
“Nevertheless, the mayor has instructed city personnel to review the list to make sure nobody has been inadvertently left out,” it added.
The city government said the group Kadamay instigated individuals to hold the rally and claim they were not given aid.
The protesters are facing charges for violation of the Public Assembly Act of 1985, Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act and Resistance and Disobedience to a Person in Authority.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 6) — The 21 residents of Sitio San Roque who were arrested last Wednesday after holding a protest demanding for food aid have been freed after posting bail.
The Save San Roque alliance reported Monday that the 21 protesters have each posted a ₱15,000 bail bond, which was partly funded by the family of Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and actors Ria Atayde and Enchong Dee.
