MANILA, Philippines — Despite warnings from authorities, various groups pushed through yesterday with their Independence Day protest actions – chiefly against the Anti-Terror Bill – but carefully observing physical distancing.
It was a grand mañanita for the Philippines, organizers said in response to officials warning them against gathering in large groups, as Metro Manila is still under general community quarantine.
The term was a mocking reference to the gathering of police officers for the birthday party for National Capital Region Police Office chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas while Metro Manila was under strict community quarantine last month.
Complete with food, party hats, costumes and roses, the main event at the University of the Philippines in Quezon City was largely festive despite the heavy downpour and the police checkpoints around the campus.
Artist Mae Paner even dressed up as Sinas, whom President Duterte defended from criticisms over his birthday mañanita.
Also in attendance was Marie Dinglasan, known online as Aling Marie, who recently went viral for her video calling out Duterte and his followers.
With social distancing strictly implemented, protesters filled the main avenue of the university. They demanded that the Duterte administration uphold the country’s sovereignty and the rights of the Filipino people.
According to organizer Movement Against Tyranny, an estimated 5,000 militants, artists, students and representatives from different sectors attended the two-hour program at UP Diliman.
Similar events were held at the Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University and the Commission on Human Rights along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.
“Our gathering is peaceful, we are not violating any law,” Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes said in Filipino.
“We are here today to show the world our love for our nation. We are here to uphold national sovereignty – that the Philippines is not a US military base and not a province of China,” he added.
For many of the protesters, the primary call is the junking of the proposed anti-terrorism bill, which various sectors warned contained provisions that are against the Constitution. Emmanuel Tupas, Rhodina Villanueva
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