A note for protesters: Gatherings of more than 10 prohibited

In an online press briefing yesterday Jun. 9, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque responded to a question by journalist Joseph Morong asking about the possible protests of Anti-Terror Bill opposers set on Independence Day, June 12.

“Hindi ko po alam kung ano ang sinasabi niyong mañanita, pero bawal pa po ang pagtitipon ng higit sampung tao,” Roque said.

Various groups labeled the Independence Day protests as a “mañanita,” a callback to National Capital Region Police Office chief Major General Debold Sinas’ birthday party which was passed without apt sanctions for going against quarantine rules. Photos of the party, which have since been deleted from the NCRPO official Facebook page, clearly showed guests not observing physical distancing.

“Walang party na nangyari. Ang sabi ni Gen. Sinas, probably nagkaroon ng mañanita,” said Philippine National Police chief General Archie Gamboa when asked about the event. 

Roque also gave an update on the status of the controversial Anti-Terror Bill, which he reports has not yet reached the Malacañang. “‘Yan naman po ay dadaan sa proseso. Pag-aaralan nang mabuti ang probisyon at kung meron pong probisyon na unconstitutional, ’yan iaadvise and presidente kung ive-veto or hindi.”

Yesterday June 9, Senate President Vicente Sotto III and House Speaker Alan Cayetano signed the bill and sent it to Malacañang for the president’s signature—the last step before the bill officially becomes a law.

Header photo screengrabbed from Presidential Communications Operations Office

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