Palace tells Sept. 21 protesters: Keep rallies peaceful

September 16, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

Those participating in the September 21 protest rallies were urged to keep their demonstrations peaceful even as they express their grievances, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace press officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. won’t stop Filipinos from expressing their opinions in peaceful assemblies.

However, protesters should avoid resorting to violence, she said.

“Karapatan ninyo po ang magsalita, karapatan ninyo po ang manawagan, huwag na lang po sana maging marahas,” Castro said.

She went on: “Karapatan naman po ninyo na manawagan ay para madinig kung ano ang nais ninyong ipadinig at makarating sa ating pamahalaan.”

The Palace executive assured that the police are prepared to secure the September 21 rallies even as the government investigates anomalies in flood control projects.

During the September 21 rallies last year, clashes, vandalism, and arrests were reported in pocket demonstrations near the Palace compound.