Groups slam PNP’s ‘no permit, no rally’ rule

By Juliane Judilla

Progressive groups in Iloilo have denounced a statement by Police Col. Kim Legada of the Iloilo City Police Office, who reaffirmed the enforcement of the city’s “no permit, no rally” policy.

The statement comes amid planned protests over alleged corruption in flood control projects currently under investigation in the Senate and House of Representatives.

Legada acknowledged that while the Constitution protects freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, these rights must be exercised in accordance with the law.

He warned that gatherings held without proper permits would be considered illegal.

“We recognize and respect the people’s right to express their sentiments. However, we strongly urge everyone to follow due process by securing permits,” he said.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN)–Panay countered that freedom of expression is guaranteed by the Constitution and does not require a permit.

The group cited Article III, Section 4 of the Bill of Rights, which states: “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.”

“The so-called ‘no permit, no rally’ policy cannot be used to curtail the people’s fundamental right to protest,” BAYAN–Panay Secretary-General Elmer Forro said.

“To demand transparency and accountability in government projects, including flood control measures riddled with corruption and neglect, is not only a right but a duty of the people. Protest is the voice of the poor against a system that prioritizes profit over people’s welfare,” he added.

Youth group Anakbayan–Panay Island echoed BAYAN’s stance, calling the policy a blatant violation of democratic and constitutional rights.

“Why is the police so insistent on suppressing the people’s right to protest? We must go back to the reason why so many are rising up against corruption across the country,” the group said.

Anakbayan–Panay cited a growing number of corruption scandals involving defective, substandard, or “ghost projects” under the Department of Public Works and Highways and the national government.

The group alleged that some lawmakers behind these projects received kickbacks.

“Here in Iloilo, we are clearly reminded of the PHP 680-million failed Ungka Flyover and the still-unfinished PHP 802-million Aganan Flyover — both glaring examples of ongoing corruption in government,” Anakbayan–Panay said.

“Young people, students, and ordinary citizens are enraged because the funds that could have been used for education, healthcare, and social services are being stolen by corrupt politicians. That is why it is only right for the people to protest against corruption and hold all these government thieves accountable,” the group added.

The groups urged the Philippine National Police to uphold the Constitution and protect the rights and welfare of the people rather than the interests of the political elite.