Malacañang reaffirms that the right to an assembly is a fundamental constitutional right, valued by the people, and consistently upheld by the current administration.
On Monday, the Palace issued a statement regarding the "National Rally for Peace" organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) at the Quirino Grandstand.
"We view today's assemblies as part of the national conversation we should be having as a people to bring clarity and consensus on issues that face us all and affect our future," Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin stated.
Moreover, the Palace instructed all government agencies to ensure that the INC’s assembly scheduled for today is fully respected.
Agencies responsible for maintaining peace and order, managing traffic and transportation, and providing emergency health services were also urged to assist attendees.
Bersamin expressed confidence that today’s gatherings will be peaceful, orderly, and meaningful.
"Higit sa lahat, umaasa kami na ang mga ipapahayag na mga opinyon ay makakatulong sa paglilinaw sa mga usaping kinakaharap ng ating bansa at maghahatid sa atin sa tunay na pagkakaisa na ating inaasam," said Bersamin.
"Sa pagkilatis at pakikinig lamang sa lahat ng panig sa isang usapin ang siyang magdudulot ng kalinawan na ating hinahanap," he added.
The religious organization earlier announced that it will hold a rally for peace in support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s call to not push through with the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
On Friday, Malacañang announced the suspension of work in government offices and classes at all levels in Manila and Pasay on January 13 in observance of the rally organized by the religious organization.
