Raps vs Bayan over burning of Marcos Jr. effigy junked

MANILA, Philippines — Citing lack of probable cause, the Quezon City prosecutor’s office has dismissed the criminal complaints filed against Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) president Renato Reyes and artist Maximo Santiago for the “Doble Kara” effigy, which was burned during the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Marcos in July last year.

In a four-page resolution dated Jan. 8 and made public only yesterday, Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Rowena Balagtas-Borge said the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) failed to present evidence to prove that Reyes and Santiago violated the provisions of Batas Pambansa 880 or the Public Assembly Act.

The QCPD filed the complaints against Reyes and Santiago based on section 13 of the law, which prohibits the burning of any object in the streets within 100 meters from the area of activity of the public assembly.

Reyes’ group was among the cause-oriented organizations that held rallies during the SONA.

Santiago was the one who created the effigy.

While there was no doubt that an effigy was burned during Marcos’ SONA, the prosecutor said “no clear evidence was presented to show that the respondents were the ones responsible for the burning of the effigy.”