No permit, no rally during APEC

MANILA, Philippines - Guidelines have been issued on the holding of rallies in public places during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ summit next week.

These guidelines must be followed before public assemblies can be held to exercise the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression, Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento said yesterday.

“Part of the guidelines is the no permit, no rally rule, which should be applied to all those who would like to hold assemblies in public places during the weeklong leaders’ summit,” he said.

The mayor or any official acting on his behalf may grant the application and issue the corresponding permit to rally in areas not within the vicinity of the conference, Sarmiento told Metro Manila mayors.

Permits may not be granted in cases where convincing evidence exists that the public assembly will create a clear and present danger to public order, safety and convenience and subject to proper procedures in accordance to Batas Pambansa 880, he added. A written permit is not required only when the public assembly will be done in a freedom park established by law or ordinance or in a private property, in which case only the consent of the owner is required, Sarmiento said.

A written permit is no longer necessary if the assembly will be made in the campus of a government-owned and operated education institution subject to the rules and regulations of the school or campus, he added.

Police and law enforcement agencies will be in charge of securing the APEC leaders, but that metro mayors must help maintain peace and order to ensure the safety of those joining the rallies, he added.