Malacañang expressed satisfaction over the largely peaceful rallies across the country, underscoring the administration’s commitment to protecting citizens’ right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez said the government continues to uphold these democratic rights while monitoring the demonstrations to ensure order is maintained.

“Well, so far natutuwa kami sa ating mga rallies. Nasabi na ng ibang tagapagsalita natin na ang administrasyon ay naniniwala sa freedom of expression at pinoprotektahan natin ‘yung right ng ating mga mamamayan to peaceably assemble. At natutuwa nga kami na so far, peaceful ‘yung ating mga rallies na nakikita,” Gomez said in an interview over One News on Sunday.

Gomez said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is at the Palace and actively monitoring the situation as protest actions were held in Luneta and Mendiola in Manila, and at the People’s Monument on EDSA, calling for accountability over anomalies in flood control projects.

While the Palace respects the public’s right to peaceful assembly, Gomez said authorities are taking precautions to keep rallies safe. Security personnel may check attendees wearing face coverings not to restrict expression, but to prevent disruptions from people aiming to cause chaos, as happened in past demonstrations.

“Natuto na tayo noong September 21 rally na ‘yung Black Mask Movement, sila ‘yung nagpasimuno ng mga gulo. So, naninigurado lang tayo na hindi ma-infiltrate ‘yung ating mapayapang mga rally ng mga taong out to foment chaos and violence. At pagkatapos naman sila sitahin, interviewhin, pinapalaya din naman sila,” the PCO chief added.

Gomez noted that checking rallyists wearing masks could be part of the police’s natural responsibility to maintain peace and order. “So kung merong kaduda-duda na mga personalidad, dapat lang naman siguro i-check nila para lang sa safety and security ng mga nakararami.”

He said that after a brief assessment and interview, the rallyists in question were released and not detained.

“Naniniguro lang tayo. Alam mo naman ‘yung kasabihan na fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. Para naman tayo hindi natuto noong September 21, ‘yan lang naman. Gusto lang natin pangalagaan ang peace and order,” Gomez added. | PND