The Manila Police District has filed charges against 10 Makabayan Coalition senatorial bets and three progressive leaders who participated in the Bonifacio Day mobilization on Nov. 30 for allegedly violating the Martial Law-era Batas Pambansa 880 or the Public Assembly Act.
The Manila police’s complaint, dated Dec. 17, charged Makabayan senatorial candidates:
- France Castro of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT)
- Arlene Brosas of Gabriela Women’s Party
- Makabayan President Liza Maza
- Jerome Adonis of Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU)
- Nurse Jocelyn Andamo
- Ronnel Arambulo of PAMALAKAYA
- Eufemia Doringo of Kadamay
- Modesto Floranda of PISTON
- Amirah Lidasan of Sandugo
- Danilo Ramos of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas
Also charged are Bayan Muna third nominee Ferdinand Gaite, Vladimir Quetua of ACT, and Cristy Donguines of the Alliance of Health Workers.
This marks the second time charges have been filed against Bonifacio Day 2024 protesters, with the first against Nilo Montifero of Bayan Muna and Elmer Labog of KMU. Montifero was also illegally arrested and detained, but was released after posting bail. Labog’s case is pending investigation per the Manila police’s complaint.
The Public Assembly Act, enacted during Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s regime, requires protesters to have a written permit for public assemblies and gives authority to law enforcement to be present and disperse mobilizations.
It has long been criticized by progressive groups for limiting the rights to freedom of expression and assembly and for contradicting the 1987 Constitution which states that no law can abridge such rights.
In November, the law was also used against five protesters, including Doringo and Floranda, who participated in a mobilization against the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program. That case was eventually dismissed for lack of probable cause.
Progressive party-lists and candidates under the Makabayan bloc have long been victim to different forms of harassment, attacks, and red-tagging over their progressive views, which have intensified since its senatorial lineup announcement in August.
Makabayan is currently preparing its legal defense for its hearing on Jan. 15.
“The practice of filing trumped up charges of ‘illegal assembly’ must stop,” said the Makabayan bloc in its statement. “The Marcos-era Batas Pambansa 880 should be repealed. Freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly should be upheld at all times.” ●
