The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday reaffirmed its respect for every Filipino’s constitutional right to peacefully assemble and express their views as members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) gathered along EDSA White Plains in Quezon City.
The department issued the statement as the rally drew police deployment and traffic management measures in the area. Earlier, INC confirmed that the gathering was being held in connection with the expected filing of plunder charges against Senator Rodante Marcoleta and former Quezon City congressman Mike Defensor.
“The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reaffirms its respect for every Filipino’s constitutional right to peacefully assemble and express their views,” the department said.
The DILG said it directed the Philippine National Police (PNP), in close coordination with the concerned local government unit, to exercise maximum tolerance and implement appropriate security and traffic management measures during the activity.
“The DILG has directed the Philippine National Police (PNP), in close coordination with the concerned local government unit, to exercise maximum tolerance and implement appropriate security and traffic management measures to help ensure that the activity remains peaceful, orderly, and safe for all,” it said.
The department also called on participants and other stakeholders to exercise their rights responsibly, uphold the rule of law, and cooperate with authorities throughout the rally.
“The DILG calls on all participants and stakeholders to exercise their rights responsibly, uphold the rule of law, and cooperate with authorities throughout the activity. The Department remains committed to protecting public safety while upholding the constitutional freedoms of every Filipino.”
The DILG’s statement echoes the guarantees under Article III, Section 4 of the 1987 Constitution, which protects the people’s right to peaceably assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances. The principle of “maximum tolerance” cited in the department’s directive is also recognized under Batas Pambansa Blg. 880, or the Public Assembly Act of 1985, which defines it as the highest degree of restraint to be observed by law enforcement authorities during public assemblies.
The department said it remains committed to protecting public safety while upholding the constitutional freedoms guaranteed to every Filipino.
