Anti-Marcos protesters – Freedom of Expression must be enjoyed by all

Anti-Marcos demonstrators have threatened to appear at the upcoming inauguration of the Philippines president-elect Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr on 30 June. However, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said, ‘Even rallies against him [Marcos] should be allowed as long as they do not perform acts that are contrary to law. Demonstrators should not be prohibited and should be allowed to practice their freedom of expression because this is guaranteed by the Constitution’ he said.

‘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 offence, such as inciting to sedition or oral defamation, rallyists enjoy freedom of expression, the rally should be permitted,’ he added.