Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 21) — Quezon City’s top official said protests during President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address would be allowed, but only if the proper permits are secured.
Speaking at a televised briefing on Tuesday, Mayor Joy Belmonte said she spoke with security officials about what arrangements could be done to accommodate the protesters.
“While coordinating with the PNP, we have come to the agreement, dito sa NCRPO at sa QCPD, na papahintulutan ang demonstrations provided that may strict adherence sa PD 880… So kailangan talaga mag-apply sila ng mga permit sa local government at sa PNP,” she said..
[Translation: While coordinating with the PNP, we have come to an agreement with the NCRPO and the QCPD that demonstrations would be allowed provided there is strict adherence to PD 880… So they really need to apply for a permit with the local government and the PNP.]
PD 880 pertains to the right of citizens to peaceful assembly.
Belmonte said they would also meet with protest groups so they could be informed about the parameters of the demonstrations, including the number of protesters who can participate and where the protests can be held.
Given the COVID-19 crisis, Belmonte also said they would be more strict in enforcing health protocols.
“We will be very strict in making sure all protesters or demonstrators or rallyists will be complying with minimum health standards, otherwise we have the right to, of course, remind them or even disperse them peacefully kung nakikita na natin na nagiging public health hazard na sila [if we see that they are already becoming a public health hazard],” she said.
While the city respects people’s right to air grievances, Belmonte said this comes with the right to life and right to health which need to be protected.
Belmonte said protests during the SONA are a “tradition” in Quezon City.
President Duterte is set to deliver his fifth SONA on July 27, 2020.
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said this would happen at the Batasang Pambansa, although the plan was not yet final. However, he said Malacañang has already reached out to Senate officials for the SONA preparations.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque previously hinted that the Palace is more inclined to take the virtual route — by delivering the speech from the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang — as it is the “safe fallback position.”
