Activists, drivers to stage protests

Progressive groups, transport organizations, and student activists will stage nationwide protests and a two-day transport strike from 15 to 17 November to coincide with the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Manila.

Led by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (Piston), and the League of Filipino Students, the mobilizations will seek to highlight domestic and regional issues as world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, gather in the country.

Piston will lead a transport strike in Metro Manila on 16 and 17 November to protest policies affecting public utility vehicle drivers and operators.

Student groups have already staged early mobilizations, including a march from Liwasang Bonifacio to Taft Avenue and coordinated walkouts in Baguio and Benguet.

In Cebu, Bayan Central Visayas, the All UP Academic Employees Union, and LFS are organizing a People’s Alternative Forum at the University of the Philippines Cebu, while Greenpeace Philippines is holding environmental activities in Lapu-Lapu City.

The coalitions rejected appeals from Malacañang and the ASEAN National Organizing Council to postpone their protests out of consideration for the visiting dignitaries.

They argued that the summit will provide an opportunity for them to raise the issues affecting workers, commuters, and the environment, adding that diplomatic considerations should not override citizens’ right to air legitimate grievances.

Human rights group Karapatan also affirmed the public’s right to peaceful assembly, while Amnesty International Philippines said it would deploy Human Rights Protest Observers to monitor police conduct and the protection of demonstrators’ rights.

The groups vowed to keep their activities peaceful and urged security forces to exercise maximum tolerance.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. urged protest organizers to coordinate with authorities and use designated venues for public assemblies.

Nartatez said the police recognize demonstrations as part of a democratic society but stressed the need to balance the right to protest with public safety and summit security.

“Every Filipino has the right to speak and express their views. We respect that. We only ask that the demonstrations remain orderly and that organizers stay in the designated venues and follow procedures,” he said.

He directed police personnel to remain professional and courteous, emphasizing that any action against demonstrators must have a lawful basis and respect their rights.

The PNP also reminded organizers that Batas Pambansa 880, or the Public Assembly Act of 1985, requires permits for assemblies in public places, subject to exemptions under the law.

The authorities have deployed 20,000 security personnel for the summit. Nartatez said the early coordination with local governments and police would help prevent disruptions and allow peaceful demonstrations to proceed in an orderly manner.