The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Sunday said no untoward incidents were reported during the ‘Trillion Peso March 2.0’ rally in Metro Manila, describing it as “very peaceful” with Secretary Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ Remulla noting “it was the best outcome we could hope for.”
In a radio interview, Remulla said the government respects the constitutional right of every Filipino to air their grievances and participate in peaceful assemblies. Various anti-corruption protests were held on Sunday coinciding with the nation’s observance of Bonifacio Day.
“I think people feel that something is happening. I think they feel that even if it is slow at first, I think they see the direction it is going. As long as the wheels of justice move, I think people will be satisfied with the outcome,” the DILG chief said.
Remulla also emphasized that while they respect the right to peaceful assembly, it must coexist with the responsibility of the government to maintain order, protect communities, and ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential services.
“You see us among all the rallyists. You see us here, we are ready. If your intent is peaceful, our reception will be peaceful, but if your intent is violent, we will use the full force of the law to deter anarchy in the streets of Manila,” he added.
At the center of today’s guidance is the reminder that public service cannot be derailed, as the DILG emphasized that protest actions should not distract the government from the ongoing work that directly benefits families and communities.
“The public deserves a government that remains focused, dependable, and present in addressing real needs on the ground. Programs on peace and order, local governance, disaster readiness, and community assistance continue nationwide,” the DILG said in a statement.
“These efforts reflect the direction of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to keep institutions stable, responsive, and accountable, especially as reforms aimed at strengthening transparency and good governance advance,” it added.
The department noted that while public demonstrations form part of democratic space, the greater duty of the government is to ensure that no one is left behind and that essential work continues without delay.
Remulla monitored the situation at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Command Center in Camp Crame with PNP Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. and other members of the police force.
Nartatez echoed the DILG statement, extending his appreciation to law enforcement personnel deployed onsite for maintaining peace and order throughout the separate protest actions nationwide. He also thanked the general public and event organizers for their cooperation.
“As expected in gatherings of this scale, there were isolated attempts by a few individuals to disrupt the flow of the programs. These were immediately addressed by our quick response teams, preventing any escalation that could endanger the public. We thank the vigilant citizens who helped alert our officers to these attempts,” the PNP acting chief said.
“The events today demonstrated that peaceful assemblies and effective law enforcement can go hand in hand. When rights are exercised responsibly and public safety is upheld, we strengthen our democratic institutions,” Nartatez added.
The DILG stood firm that no protest activity will hinder its mandate to uphold the law, support local governments, and serve the Filipino people with consistency, fairness, and resolve. The PNP said traffic units and other station personnel remain on standby to ensure that Filipinos arrive home safely after today’s public gatherings.
