By ARGYLL CYRUS B. GEDUCOS
Malacañang told activists Thursday that even though they are against the government most of the time, they should follow health protocols, particularly on mass gatherings, because they do not want them to get sick.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque made the statement following the protests of several groups in Mendiola, Manila this week.
Roque said that anybody can exercise their right to free speech but appealed to them to follow the protocols set by the government to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“Alam niyo po ang karapatan ng malayang pananalita ay garantiyado po ng ating Saligang Batas,” he said. “Ganoon pa man, ang aking pakiusap naman po, panahon po ng COVID,” he added.
According to Roque, even if the said groups are against the government, they do not want these people to catch the respiratory disease.
“Kahit kayo po ay lumalaban at kalaban ng gobyerno, pinangangalagaan po natin ang inyong kalusugan,” he said. “Maski kayo po ay walang ginawa kundi labanan ang gobyerno, Filipino pa rin kayo. May obligasyon pa rin kaming isalba kayo kung kayo ay magkakasakit,” he added.
The Palace official reminded activists that only 10 people are allowed in mass gatherings in areas under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ).
“Pakiusap po, sundin po natin: Hanggang sampung tao lang po ang pagtitipon-tipon dahil ayaw po namin kayong magkasakit ,” Roque said. “Make it easier for everyone po, ‘wag po magtipon-tipon,” he added.
