The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) affirmed the public’s right to hold peaceful demonstrations while underscoring its mandate to enforce laws that prevent acts leading to sedition.
This comes amid recent protests across the country voicing public concerns and various issues confronting the current administration.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, November 19, the DILG emphasized its commitment to uphold citizens’ rights to organize and express grievances.
“The Department reaffirms that the right of citizens to organize, to assemble peacefully, and to express their views is protected under Article III Section 4 of the 1987 Constitution. These rights form part of the democratic space that the Department is duty bound to safeguard,” DILG said in a statement.
However, the agency clarified that enforcing laws that establish limits to these expressions is equally necessary, particularly when actions may verge on sedition.
“At the same time, the Department must enforce the laws that define the limits of protected expression. Articles 139 to 142 of the Revised Penal Code clearly outline what constitutes sedition and inciting to sedition,” the agency added.
The DILG added that these provisions apply only when statements or actions aim to provoke unlawful resistance against legitimate authorities or hinder government functions.
“These provisions apply only when acts or statements seek to stir unlawful resistance against lawful authorities or to prevent the government from performing its functions. This legal standard is well-established and has guided national security assessments across administrations,” they added.
The agency reiterated that it remains committed to ensuring that freedom of expression is exercised within the bounds of the law, describing it as a hallmark of democracy.
“The Department remains committed to protecting both democratic rights and public order. Ensuring that citizens can speak and gather freely, while upholding the laws that guard against unlawful destabilization, is essential to a functioning democracy.”
The statement follows the DILG’s recent pronouncements regarding protest actions held by various groups nationwide.