Malacañang said Wednesday that police authorities are prepared for the planned mass protest on September 21, while urging demonstrators to exercise their right to voice their concerns peacefully.
In a press briefing on September 16, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. respects the public’s right to express grievances through assemblies and protests.
“Unang-una, hindi naman po pinipigilan ng Pangulo at hindi hinahadlangan ang saloobin o pagsasabi ng saloobin ng ating mga kababayan sa mga ganitong klaseng pagtitipon,” she said.
Castro stressed, however, that demonstrations should not lead to violence, injuries or loss of life, noting that the President listens to the concerns raised by Filipinos.
“Pero hindi po naman kinakailangan na magkaroon ng karahasan, pananakit o pagkasawi pa ng ating mga kababayan dahil ang ating Pangulo po ay nakikinig sa bawat hinaing ng ating mga kababayan,” she added.
She also assured the public that law enforcement agencies are ready for the upcoming demonstrations, which are being held amid continuing criticism over alleged irregularities in government flood-control projects.
“Handa po ang ating kapulisan sa darating na September 21,” she said.
At the same time, Castro appealed to protesters to maintain peace and use the rally as an avenue to make their concerns heard by the government.
“Ang dasal lang po natin at ang pakiusap sa ating mga kababayan, karapatan ninyo po ang magsalita, karapatan ninyo po ang manawagan, huwag na lang po sana maging marahas,” Castro said.
“Ang karapatan naman po ninyo na manawagan ay para madinig kung ano ang nais ninyong ipadinig at makarating sa ating pamahalaan,” she added.
The September 21 protest comes after a similar flood-control-related demonstration the previous year that became violent. The incident reportedly left one person dead and resulted in the arrest of around 200 individuals.
Castro said the government remains focused on delivering projects and assistance to Filipinos while also pursuing accountability over alleged irregularities in flood-control initiatives.
She added that cases have been filed after authorities reviewed evidence concerning individuals allegedly involved in the questioned projects.