Quezon City Police District to Pursue Legal Action Against Rallyists Amid Protest Outside Batasang Pambansa

Strategic Insights -

A protest outside the Batasang Pambansa during the House of Representatives' deliberation on the 2026 Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget turned chaotic, prompting the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) to announce its intention to pursue legal action against the rallyists. The QCPD cited the Public Assembly Act of 1985, Batas Pambansa 880, which the protesters allegedly violated by occupying several lanes of the IBP Road outside the Batasan complex south gate. The police also claimed that eight officers were injured during the incident. In response, the Makabayan bloc stated that the protesters' anger was justified and supported the people's right to protest and express public outrage.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) intends to pursue legal action against rallyists who participated in a protest outside the Batasang Pambansa during the House of Representatives' deliberation on the 2026 DPWH budget.
  • The protesters allegedly violated Batas Pambansa 880 or the Public Assembly Act of 1985 by occupying several lanes of the IBP Road outside the Batasan complex south gate.
  • Eight police officers were injured during the incident, according to the QCPD.
  • The Makabayan bloc supported the people's right to protest and express public outrage, stating that the protesters' anger was justified.
  • The protest followed a previous demonstration where rallyists attempted to barge through the gates of the Saint Gerrard Construction Corporation in Pasig City, owned by a private contractor embroiled in alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
  • The government's crackdown on corruption in flood control projects began after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s pronouncement at his fourth State of the Nation Address in July.

Statistics:

  • Eight police officers were injured during the incident.
  • The public protest was held outside the Batasang Pambansa during the House of Representatives' deliberation on the 2026 DPWH budget.

Sources:

  • "Quezon City Police District to Pursue Legal Action Against Rallyists After Ruckus at Protest Outside Batasang Pambansa," no date provided (QCPD statement)
  • "Makabayan Bloc Supports People's Right to Protest Amid Crackdown on Corruption," August 13, 2023, Phillipine Daily Inquirer (statement by Makabayan bloc)
  • "Gov't Cracks Down on Corruption in Flood Control Projects Amid Widespread Flooding," July 31, 2023, The Manila Times (State of the Nation Address)