There’s no right to freedom of speech and related rights under a law that was created by the dictator Ferdinand Marcos precisely to violate these rights. The Public Assembly Act of 1985 or Batas Pambansa 880 only legalizes the harassment of protestors and the silencing of dissent.

The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) condemns the decision of the Cebu City Prosecutor to file a case against six activists who held a protest against corruption in the government’s flood control projects on September 5, 2025 in front of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Cebu City District Engineering office.

The decision, signed by Cebu City Prosecutor Rodulph Joseph Val J. Carrillo and dated December 26, 2025 but received by one of the accused only on February 13, 2026, violates the right to freedom of expression, including the right to peacefully assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.

Listed as accused are Jaime Paglinawan (Bagong Alyansang Makabayan or Bayan Central Visayas and Ama-Sugbo-Kilusang Mayo Uno or KMU), Juan Ruiz (Bayan Muna Partylist), Belinda Allere (Panaghupong-Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap or Kadamay), Howell Villacrucis (Ama-Sugbo-KMU), Victor Sumampong Jr (Partido Lakas ng Masa or PLM), Jian Pelayo (Anakbayan) and John and Jane Does.

The city prosecutor cited the Public Assembly Act of 1985’s provision that requires a written permit for public assembly in a public place, except public parks or campuses of state colleges and universities. If the court finds the accused guilty, it can sentence them to imprisonment from one month and one day to six months.

It is disturbing that the Cebu City prosecutor has agreed with the legalistic mindset in the Philippine National Police (PNP), which filed the case, and lacks an appreciation for the right to freedom of expression and assembly and what constitutes a threat to public order and safety. The Public Assembly Act of 1985 was created as a weapon to repress workers’ and Filipinos’ righteous anger at the assassination of former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.

Again, we find it revolting that while anti-corruption protestors continue to be harassed by the courts through the PNP’s weaponization of a repressive law, the bigger fishes responsible for corruption in government remain scot-free. The Filipino workers and people are still fighting tooth and nail for the impeachment of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Vice President Sara Duterte, for example.

It is deeply ironic that the decision was made known to the accused just a few days before the 40^th anniversary of the Edsa People Power uprising that enshrined the 1987 Constitution that contains robust provisions on labor and human rights. The decision exposes the contradiction between the government’s general affirmations of labor and human rights and the continued existence of repressive laws such as the Public Assembly Act of 1985.