Courtesy: Vatican News
HOUSE leaders on Monday called for an immediate halt to political rallies, citing the adverse impact these gatherings pose to the nation’s stability and progress.
The call comes in the wake of a controversial “prayer rally” staged by supporters of embattled religious leader Apollo Quiboloy in Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, which devolved into an anti-government rally marked by invectives and threats against the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.
Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte, several senators, and anti-government personalities were among those in attendance at the event.
Deputy Speaker and Quezon 2nd District Rep. David “Jay-jay” Suarez noted that it was his first time witnessing a prayer rally deviating from the usual format.
He noted that while prayer rallies generally consist of prayers and preaching, this specific one appeared to be different in form.
“Ako ang posisyon ko, I don’t think nakakatulong po ito sa takbo ng ating bansa. Ang nais po natin ipakita stability within the country and having noise such as this is not helpful, especially that we’re on track towards recovery from a pandemic,” Suarez said during the regular daily press conference at the House of Representatives.
Instead, Suarez urged for unity in supporting the administration’s goals and for the continuation of legislative efforts aimed at improving the country.
“Sana hindi na madagdagan ito dahil nakikita naman natin na wala naman talagang magandang naidudulot so far,” Suarez said, referring to political rallies.
“Let’s just focus on supporting the administration’s objectives and continuing our legislative work so that we can continue to support unity within the country and number two of course, iyong Bagong Pilipinas na ipinaglalaban ng ating mahal na Pangulo,” he added.
Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales 1st District Rep. Jefferson Khonghun also voiced his concerns over prayer rallies characterized by profanity, stressing their lack of contribution to the nation.
“Well, ngayon lang kami nakakita ng prayer rally na puro mura ang naririnig. Nagpapasalamat din naman ako dahil kahit anong naririnig natin dun eh hindi naman pinapatulan ng ating administrasyon,” Khonghun said.
“Wala naman talagang maitutulong sa bansa at saka hindi naman talaga prayer rally ang tawag dun eh dahil talagang walang ginawa kundi puro poot at masakit na salita ‘yung binibitawan dun sa pagtitipon na ‘yun,” he added.
For his part, Malasakit@Bayanihan Partylist Rep. Anthony Rolando Golez Jr. underscored the importance of adhering to laws and regulations during public demonstrations, stating that violators would face legal consequences.
Golez emphasized that while rallies are permitted under the Constitution, prioritizing responsible conduct is essential.
“If they violate a law then they can face justice on that,” he warned.
1-RIDER Party-List Rep. Rodge Gutierrez said that while he acknowledged the constitutionally enshrined freedom of speech and expression and the right to political dissent, there is still a need to avoid statements that incite violence, particularly during public gatherings like the recent rally in question.
“Speaking of this particular rally, the political speeches that it has ultimately boiled down to would be understandable, but I have to express my deep disappointment in certain statements, certain controversial statements because we should never allow political dissent to boil down to espousing violence,” Gutierrez said.
Gutierrez was specifically addressing the contentious remarks made by one of the rally speakers, former Biliran Rep. Glenn Chong, who reportedly threatened to slap First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
