Palace to Sept. 21 rallyists: Protest within the law

Malacañang said members of the public who are joining the September 21 rallies today are welcome to do so but urged them to protest within the rule of law. 

"Katulad ng sinabi ng Pangulo natin, ang malayang pagpapahayag ng kanilang damdamin ay hindi yan hahadlangan ng Pangulo. Dahil sabi nga niya noon, kung siya ay hindi naging presidente at hindi siya presidente ngayon ay malamang nasa kalsada rin siya upang ipahayag ang kanyang pagkadismaya sa malawakang pang-aabuso sa pondo ng bayan," Undersecretary Claire Castro told GMA Integrated News' Ivan Mayrina on Sunday morning.

(Just like what the President said, the freedom of expression will not be obstructed. He previously said that if he were not the President, he would join the protest to express his dismay on the widespread abuse of public funds.)

"So ang nais lamang ng Pangulo ay 'wag lumabag sa batas. At kung ano mang gagawin nilang pagpo-protesta ay sana ay naaayon sa batas," the Palace official added.

(So what the President only wants is don't violate the law. And the protest actions should be in accordance with the law.)

Multiple mass protest actions against corruption are taking place in Metro Manila and in other cities nationwide amid revelations from anomalies in flood control projects between government officials and private contractors.  

Asked if government employees are allowed to join in today's rallies, Castro cautioned them as to the nature and conduct of their participation.  

"Sa ngayon, mas okay sana na huwag na silang lumabas kasi kung makaka-cause sila ng kung anumang traffic or what. Pero kung sila ay magpapahayag ng kanilang damdamin, hindi dapat ito kokontra kung ano yung minimithi ng gobyerno," she said.

(For now, it would be okay for them not to go out since it might add up to the traffic (situation) or what. But if they want to express their feelings, it should not contradict what the government desires.)

Currently, Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is monitoring the developments.

"Sa ngayon, definitely po, nagmo-monitor ang Pangulo dahil kailangan din po ng peace and order, at kailangan din po na maging matiwasay ang pagpo-protesta. So asahan niyo po na ang Pangulo ay nandidiyan. Kaya nga po hindi niya tinuloy ang kanyang pagbibiyahe para malaman din niya at madinig niya kung ano ang tunay na hinaing ng taong bayan," Castro said. 

(Definitely, the President is monitoring the situation ... the peace and order situation and the protest actions should be orderly. So expect that the President [would be monitoring], that's why he canceled his trip to know the public sentiments.) — RF/RSJ, GMA Integrated News