Lawmaker: Duterte 'virtually' declared Sept. 21 a holiday

Albay Representative Edcel Lagman on Tuesday said President Rodrigo Duterte's proclamation of September 21 as a "day of protest" is as good as declaring the 45th anniversary of the declaration of martial law by the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos a holiday.

In a statement, Lagman said September 21 is practically a holiday because work in government offices and classes in all levels are suspended.

Duterte had encouraged groups and individuals to use the day to protest against the government, if they had any grievances they wish to air.

"September [21] is not a holiday. I have declared it as a day of protest. Lahat ng gusto pa magprotesta laban sa gobyerno, laban sa pulis, military, lahat, magbabaan kayo riyan," he told reporters in Caloocan City after visiting the wake of slain Police Officer 3 Junior Hilario on Monday.

But Lagman noted that in the past, declarations of holidays were actually made to discourage people from staging rallies.

"With or without any such presidential declaration, citizens and multi-sectoral groups are determined to protest the ignominy of the declaration of martial law 45 years ago with its crippling effects still damaging the country until now," he said.

At the same time, Lagman said the “day of protest” is "grossly tainted with insincerity" as the President openly idolizes the late dictator.

Movement Against Tyranny, a multisectoral group, is organizing a rally on September 21 at Luneta Park to coincide with the 45th Martial Law anniversary.

Duterte has also previously spoken out about planners of mass movements, saying he would not hesitate to use force if protesters turn violent. —ALG/KVD, GMA News