Justice chief reminds people rallies on June 12 not allowed due to public health concerns

June 11, 2020

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Thursday reminded people not to hold assemblies or mass actions during Independence Day Friday or hold protests against the impending signing into law of the controversial Anti-Terorism Bill by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Guevarra warned that sanctions under existing public health laws are still in effect. Mass gatherings are still banned while social distancing remains mandatory to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus or COVID-19, he added.

Guevarra made the warning after the Movement Against Tyranny announced that they will hold a “mañanita” protest against some government policies, including the anti-terrorism bill  to celebrate the country’s 122th Independence Day.

The “mañanita” is set at 10 am at University Avenue at UP Diliman. Two hours before that an assembly of lawyers is set at 8 am at the UP Oblation, UP Diliman.

Guevarra said violations of the existing public health laws “may give rise to penal sanctions” under existing public health laws, not under criminal laws. DMS