MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Monday refused to answer calls for the dropping of charges against a student who protested while President Benigno Aquino III was delivering his Independence Day speech in Naga City last week.
"Aalamin na lang po natin kung ano ang status 'nung complaint na iniharap sa kanya hinggil diyan sa insidenteng 'yan," Presidential Communication Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a press briefing.
Student activist Pio Emmanuel Mijares, a fourth year psychology major of Ateneo de Naga, was arrested last June 12 after he interrupted the speech of President Aquino.
The President had just started delivering his speech when Mijares reportedly shouted, "Patalsikin ang Pork Barrel King! Walang pagbabago sa Pilipinas!" as he waved a banner calling for the ouster of Aquino.
Recalling a similar incident during Aquino's speech at the La Consolacion College, Coloma assured that the government will not use an iron fist against the President's hecklers.
"Mayroon ding nagpahayag doon sa kanyang talumpati at hindi naman ito trinato nang hindi tama dahil hindi naman tayo gumagamit ng mabigat na kamay sa mga mamamayan na nagpapahayag ng kanilang saloobin. Kaya nga lang sa ganitong pagkakataon ay mayroong mga batas o alituntunin na hindi nasunod," Coloma said.
Coloma does not believe that Mijares' actions may set an example and encourage future hecklers.
Mijares was charged with disturbing public order under Article 153 of the Revised Penal Code.
He was required to post a bail of P8,000 for his temporary liberty.
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