Palace backs raps vs Times street protesters

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang backed yesterday the filing of charges against the protesters who staged a rally outside President Aquino’s house on Times street over the weekend.

“Our view is that their behavior is excessive and abusive and so the law must prevail. And because of this, the assistant city prosecutor of Quezon City filed the necessary charges against them,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a press briefing.

Around 100 activists converged outside the Aquino home on Saturday, catching three policemen deployed to the area off guard.

The protesters managed to paint graffiti on the gate and driveway of Aquino’s home and called for the President’s ouster. Twelve police officers were hurt when they dispersed the protesters.

Coloma said that it would be up to the Philippine National Police (PNP) to implement the necessary measures to improve the security of the immediate neighborhood on Times street.

“What the rallyists did in terms of vandalism and inflicting injuries on members of the PNP clearly exceeded the maximum limits of the freedom of expression,” Coloma said.

Senior Superintendent Joel Pagdilao, Quezon City Police District chief, said charges of illegal assembly, direct assault upon an agent or person in authority, serious physical injury and vandalism were filed against Antonio Flores, secretary-general of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas and other leaders of the protesters.