‘Anti-Marcos protesters should enjoy freedom of expression’

MANILA, Philippines — Even rallies against president-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. should be allowed at his inauguration on June 30, as long as they do not perform acts that are contrary to law, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said yesterday.

Guevarra said even anti-Marcos demonstators should not be prohibited and should be allowed to practice their freedom of expression because this is guaranteed by the Constitution.

The demonstration, however, should be peaceful and rallyists should be able to comply with the requirements such as having a rally permit, according to the justice secretary.

“The right of peaceful assembly, regardless of one’s political beliefs or affiliation, is guaranteed by the Constitution, subject to reasonable regulations to maintain peace and order, including the requirement to obtain a prior permit,” he said.

“As long as their statements do not constitute an actionable offense, such as inciting to sedition or oral defamation, rallyists enjoy freedom of expression, the rally should be permitted,” he added.

‘Good friends’

Vice president-elect Sara Duterte has explained her decision to take oath before Supreme Court Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando.

“(Hernando) is a former professor. He and his wife are my good friends for over 10 years,” Duterte said in response to media inquiries about her upcoming oath-taking in Davao City on June 19.

The incoming vice president graduated law from San Sebastian College-Recoletos. She also studied at San Beda College of Law, where Hernando finished law school.

The associate justice taught in both academic institutions.

Appointed by President Duterte in 2018, Hernando is the fourth most senior justice, after Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo and Associate Justices Marvic Leonen and Benjamin Caguioa.

Leonen and Caguioa were appointees of the late former president Benigno Aquino III.

Meanwhile, Gesmundo is expected to administer Marcos’ oath.

Duterte will take her oath at the San Pedro Square, located between the Davao City Hall and San Pedro Cathedral 11 days before she officially assumes office.

She will use a new Bible given to her as a gift when she takes her oath of office, according to the vice president-elect.

Duterte will wear a Filipiniana made by Davao designer Silverio Anglacer, but will not wear any jewelry during her inauguration.

She said the University of Mindanao Alumni Chorale was chosen to sing the national anthem “because they symbolize Davao/Mindanao.”

The vice president-elect will spend the night before her inauguration at her house, while the morning of June 19 will be for private time, according to her spokesperson Christina Frasco.

The President is expected to attend his daughter’s oath-taking.

Also expected to attend are Marcos and former president and returning Pampanga representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Outgoing Vice President Leni Robredo will not attend the ceremony due to prior commitment in her hometown Naga City, Duterte said in an earlier interview.

Gun ban

In a related development, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will impose a gun ban in Metro Manila and Davao Region as part of its security measures for the inauguration of Marcos and Duterte.

PNP Directorate for Operations head Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon said the gun ban, which was approved by PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr., would run in Davao from June 16 to 21 for the oath-taking of Duterte on June 19 in Davao City.

The prohibition on carrying firearms outside of residence for Marcos’ inauguration on June 30 will be from June 27 to July 2.

“The suspension covers the period of full preparations, deployment and implementations of the security measures for the oath-taking events of the two highest ranking officials of the country,” De Leon said in a statement.

He warned that violation of the gun ban may result in the confiscation of firearms and revocation of the permit to carry for registered gun owners and holders, aside from appropriate charges that may be filed against them.

If necessary, cell phone signals will also be temporarily shut down.

De Leon made the announcement as he revealed that they are validating several reports about possible threats to security at Duterte’s inauguration.

“For now, we’re just validating information. These are raw information,” he said in Filipino and English at a press conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City. – Emmanuel Tupas, Elizabeth Marcelo