Thousands Protest as PNP Reports Peaceful Conclusion to Marcos SONA
SONA – Large demonstrations unfolded alongside President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s SONA, but authorities said the situation remained under control from start to finish.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) described the fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday, July 27, as “generally peaceful,” saying security operations were successfully carried out despite large protest actions held alongside the annual event.
In a statement released after the President’s address, the PNP stated that it had ensured the safety of the Chief Executive, government officials, invited delegates, and the general public, while also allowing demonstrators to exercise their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
“From the implementation of security measures to the conclusion of the President’s address, the PNP ensured the safety of the Chief Executive, government officials, delegates, and the public, while respecting the constitutional rights of individuals and groups to peacefully assemble and express their views,” said PNP.
Thousands of protesters gathered in separate demonstrations along Commonwealth Avenue and near the Sandiganbayan and Commission on Audit in Quezon City. Authorities estimated that more than 6,000 rally participants joined the protest activities held simultaneously with the President’s SONA.
While the overall situation remained orderly, the PNP acknowledged that several isolated incidents occurred in some areas during the demonstrations. According to the police, these incidents were immediately addressed by personnel deployed on the ground to prevent any compromise to the event’s security.
The PNP reported that 39 individuals were arrested for alleged violations of the Quezon City Anti-Vandalism Ordinance, Malicious Mischief, Presidential Decree No. 1829, and provisions of the Revised Penal Code related to resistance or disobedience to persons in authority and public disturbances.
“While both activities were generally peaceful, isolated incidents were recorded in some areas. Police arrested 39 individuals for alleged violations of the Quezon City Anti-Vandalism Ordinance, Malicious Mischief, Presidential Decree No. 1829, and provisions of the Revised Penal Code related to resistance or disobedience to persons in authority and disturbances of public order. The situations were promptly addressed by personnel on the ground, preventing any significant disruption to the overall security environment,” PNP added.
The police also expressed appreciation to the public for cooperating with authorities throughout the day while exercising their freedom of expression.
“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa ating mga kababayan na nakiisa sa pagpapanatili ng kaayusan habang iginagalang ang karapatan ng bawat isa na ipahayag ang kanilang saloobin nang mapayapa. Bagama’t may ilang insidenteng nauwi sa pag-aresto dahil sa mga naitalang paglabag sa umiiral na mga ordinansa at batas, agad itong naaksyunan ng ating mga pulis sa mahinahon at propesyonal na paraan,” said PNP.
Among the organisations that staged demonstrations on July 27 was Akbayan. During the protest, the group argued that the removal of the system loss charge from Meralco electricity bills was not a voluntary benefit granted by the government. Instead, it said the development resulted from the people’s long-standing and determined campaign against what they described as unjust electricity charges.
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