Regional State Prosecutor lawyer Merlyn Uy affirmed during a press conference Sunday that the right to peaceably assemble is enshrined in the Constitution that all government officials and employees swore to “uphold and defend” and is subject only to reasonable regulation.
“The right of the people to peacefully assemble for the redress of grievances is a fundamental right protected by the Constitution,” as it refers to Section 4, Article III of the Constitution, or the Bill of Rights.
Uy said that the mere act of joining rallies or mass actions is not punishable under the new law (Anti-Terror Law).
“If that particular mass action is intended to promote terrorism, or cause serious harm injury to the public, that is considered an act of terrorism, so we have to distinguish,” Uy said, contrary to the misinformation being circulated that it is prohibited to attend rallies.
Under the new law, Anti-Terrorism Act, if the NPA is prescribed as a terrorist organization, mere recruitment and membership in that organization are punishable, said Uy adding, “If you are a member of the NPA, that is a crime within itself.” (Jasper Marie Rucat /PIA-10)
