SONA rally groups urged to police own ranks

MANILA, Philippines — While it vows to exercise restraint, the Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday urged leaders of cause-oriented groups to police their own ranks to ensure a peaceful outcome of President Marcos’ second State of the Nation Address (SONA) tomorrow.

Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, PNP public information officer, said militant groups should do their share in maintaining the peace on the day of the SONA.

In an interview over radio dzBB, Maranan said protesters should strictly follow the guidelines set by the Quezon City government for their rallies.

The city government allowed militant groups to hold their rally at the corner of Tandang Sora and Commonwealth Avenues from 8 a.m. to noon.

Maranan said the 22,000 state security forces and force multipliers who will secure the SONA will observe maximum tolerance. However, he warned demonstrators that their restraint have limits, especially if they violate laws.

“Do not cross the line of maximum tolerance in order not to break existing laws,” he said.

Maranan earlier warned protesters against setting effigies on fire as they could face sanctions for violation of environmental laws.

Reacting to Maranan’s statement, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) president Renato Reyes said police have no legal or even factual basis to prevent people from carrying and even burning effigies during rallies.

“That’s just plain fascism and gross ignorance of the law,” he said in a statement.

Reyes maintained that burning effigies or flags during protest is part of protected free speech.

He added the burning of effigies in the past was done with due consideration for public safety to prevent injuries.

“The problem with the PNP is that it has always focused on suppressing and limiting the exercise of basic rights, instead of protecting these rights,” he said.

The Quezon City government said it will deploy another 375 personnel from the city’s Department of Public Order and Safety – in addition to the 6,123 uniformed officers of the Quezon City Police District – who will be deployed to assist in maintaining security and public order.

Another 800 traffic enforcers will help man traffic at major thoroughfares. Some 287 personnel from the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department will also be on standby to provide immediate medical assistance in cases of emergency.

“The Quezon City government is ready to assist during the President’s second State of the Nation Address. Our goal is to ensure a peaceful and orderly event for everyone,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

“QC is a bastion of free speech, and we value the right of everyone to peacefully assemble as protected by our Constitution,” she added.

The city earlier allowed various groups to hold activities during the SONA. Protesters were allowed to assemble along Commonwealth Avenue near Tandang Sora, while an area near the Commission on Audit was set up for pro-administration groups.

The city reminded those who will participate to follow all regulations and not disrupt peace and order in the area.

Additional QCity Buses and local government vehicles will also be deployed to provide commuters with additional transportation options.

Malacañang has suspended classes and work in government offices in Metro Manila on July 24.

Senate minority leader Aquilino Pimentel III yesterday urged President Marcos to discuss the “real situation” of the Philippines in his SONA.

“During the President’s SONA, it is my hope that he will discuss the real situation of the Filipino People at the household level,” the opposition senator said.

“It is OK to mention macroeconomic figures like GDP (gross domestic product) growth rate, GDP per capita and others, but this should only be in passing,” he added.

He proposed that the President discuss “microeconomic matters which concern and affect the lives of the ordinary Filipino.”

He cited the soaring prices of basic goods, lack of jobs, low pay and other concerns that are “truly important to the life of the average Filipino.”

The senator urged the administration to support moves for a legislated wake hike in Congress.

Marcos should also take the opportunity to discuss the government’s long-term plan to address the impending water shortage and the El Niño weather phenomenon, Pimentel said, as he urged the administration to support proposals to create a Department of Waters.

The senator advised the administration to carefully study tax reform measures, such as a proposal to tax sugary and salty products which would most affect the poor sectors. – Janvic Mateo, Marc Jayson Cayabyab