Kabataan Partylist Representative and Assistant Minority Leader Atty. Renee Co criticized the Philippine National Police (PNP) for enforcing the “no permit, no rally” policy as protests against government corruption continue across Metro Manila and other parts of the country.
"Di dapat kailangan ng permit para panagutin ang mga korap. Karapatan at tungkulin ang magprotesta para sa inang bayan. Di tayo mag-aabang na lang sa resulta ng scripted na mga turuan," Co said in a statement released on Saturday, September 13.
Co further stressed that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. should allow peaceful demonstrations instead of suppressing them, especially as he celebrates his birthday this Saturday, September 13.
“Kung gusto niya makarelate sa kapwa Pilipino sa birthday niya, huwag niya pigilan ang mga rally. Dito niya malalaman ang totoong hinaing ng mamamayan,” Co said.
She added that the youth’s “wishlist” is for all corrupt officials, starting from the highest levels of government, to be held accountable.
According to her, hunger in the country could be eradicated if the entrenched system of corruption, favoring big businesses, landed elites, and foreign powers, were dismantled.
"Nawawaldas lang ang pondo ng bayan sa malaking pasweldo sa pulis na nagtatanggol lang sa korap at nasa kapangyarihan," she stated.
The congresswoman accused Marcos Jr. of being “afraid of the people” because he, too, bears responsibility for widespread corruption.
“Obviously, takot si Marcos Jr. sa mga Pilipino, kasi alam niyang siya rin ang mastermind at may pananagutan sa laganap na nakawan sa dulo. Nawawaldas lang ang pondo ng bayan sa malaking pasweldo sa pulis na nagtatanggol lang sa korap at nasa kapangyarihan,” she said.
The lawmaker also slammed the administration for its double standards. While the PNP tightened restrictions on rallies, Malacañang opened its gates for a birthday feast in celebration of Marcos.
"[Hindi] mapapalitan ng mini-salu salo sa Palasyo ang bilyong ninakaw sa taumbayan," solon added.
This comes after Acting PNP chief LTGEN. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. announced the policy, saying demonstrators are aware of the rules.
“Alam na po ng mga demonstrator at rallyist iyan. Ipinapatupad po natin ‘yang, no permit, no rally,” Nartatez said in an interview with DZRH’s Dos Por Dos on Friday, September 12.
She further urged the repeal of Batas Pambansa 880, a law enacted during the dictatorship of Marcos Sr., which requires a permit for rallies.
“Ibasura na niya ang B.P. 880 na inimbento ng kanyang ama noong batas militar at ginagamit hanggang ngayon para dahasin ang mga mapayapang protesta, basta walang permit,” she stressed.
Kabataan Partylist announced it will file a bill next week to repeal B.P. 880 and pave the way for peaceful assemblies without the looming threat of police dispersal.
