The filing of an illegal assembly case against activist leaders after the annual Labor Day protest will set an alarming precedent and further undermine the country’s shrinking civic space.
Manila police cited the Martial Law-era decree BP 880 to file against Bayan president Renato Reyes Jr., Bayan secretary general Mong Palatino, KMU chair Jerome Adonis, and PISTON chair Mody Floranda. The case is now set for pre-trial in a Manila court.
The leaders are accused of violating Section 13, Paragraph A of BP 880, which prohibits public assemblies without a permit from authorities.
This is the first time in almost two decades that a BP 880 charge has led to an actual court trial.
The case portends the weaponization of BP 880 to threaten those who will lead protest actions and public assemblies, especially those who criticize, moreover dissent, against the anti-people policies of the government.
The case is the latest reminder to repeal the draconian law introduced during the Marcos fascist dictatorship. While it is dressed as protection of freedom of speech and assembly, it is actually meant to suppress those freedoms. BP 880 continued to be used by successive post-Marcos governments to forcibly disperse protests and public assemblies.
We call for the dismissal of the unjust and baseless case filed against the leaders who joined the May 1 Labor Day assembly, as we reiterate the demand to junk the Marcosian BP 880.
We condemn the Marcos Jr. government for weaponizing laws and judicial processes to silence rising discontent against widespread corruption, the unresolved flood control scam, excessive taxes, exorbitant water and electricity rates, joblessness, and stagnant wages. The activist leaders charged with violating BP 880 are also at the forefront of the people’s struggle against impunity, violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, and Marcos Jr.’s subservience to the dictates of US imperialism.
We call on fellow Filipinos to defy tyranny and defend the people’s right to resist. Let us mobilize on July 27 during the State of the Nation Address and link arms with fellow advocates of civil liberties to assert that activism and demanding genuine social change is a right and not a crime.
Batas Pambansa 880, ibasura!
Batas ng diktadura, labanan!
Karapatang magprotesta, ipaglaban!
Boses ng taumbayan, huwag busalan!
Defend the right to protest!
Kasuhan ang mga korap, hindi ang mga aktibista!
Makibaka, huwag matakot!