“It’s infuriating that those who are protesting to demand for a daily living wage of P1,200 ($19.53), lower prices of basic goods, and respect for the rights of workers and ordinary Filipinos are the very ones being charged.”

By Kasheena Camacho

MANILA—“Junk BP 880!” 

Progressive groups protested the illegal assembly case filed against four activist leaders, warning that the charges threaten Filipinos’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest. 

They were charged with violating Section 13, Paragraph A of Batas Pambansa (BP) 880 (Public Assembly Act) for allegedly holding a public assembly without a permit. July 14 was the scheduled arraignment of the four leaders.  

In a statement, the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) condemned the filing of charges against its president Renato Reyes Jr. and secretary general Mong Palatino, as well as Kilusang Mayo Uno Chairperson Jerome Adonis and PISTON Chairperson Mody Floranda, over the Labor Day protest on May 1. 

Bayan said that the case is the first in nearly two decades in which a charge under BP 880 has proceeded to a court trial. The alliance warned that the prosecution could set a dangerous precedent by using the law against protest leaders and government critics. 

The group renewed its call to repeal BP 880, describing it as a law enacted during the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. which continues to be used by authorities under different administrations to suppress dissent and disperse public assemblies.

“It’s infuriating that those who are protesting to demand for a daily living wage of P1,200 ($19.53), lower prices of basic goods, and respect for the rights of workers and ordinary Filipinos are the very ones being charged,” Adonis said during the protest on Tuesday. He said that it was unjust that activists demanding higher wages and lower prices were being prosecuted while officials accused of corruption continue to evade accountability.

Palatino, a former Kabataan party-list representative, warned that the charges could discourage not only activists but also ordinary Filipinos from exercising their constitutional rights. 

“If the protest is against corrupt officials, do you think they would allow a protest against corruption?” he asked. “Filing this case will have a chilling effect not only on activists but on everyone.” 

Amirah Lidasan of the Moro-Christian People Alliance said that the Constitution guarantees Filipinos the right to express grievances against the government and to assemble peacefully. ‘We have the right to freedom of expression. We have the right to assemble and gather. We must not allow this deeply flawed law to continue to exist.” (RTS, DAA)