“It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong.” — Voltaire
I admire those brave individuals—especially the young students in Puerto Princesa City—who joined the “Trillion Peso March” to protest colossal corruption in the national government. They simply ignored the irresponsible threat of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who warned of sedition charges against anyone publicly calling for the resignation of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Let me emphasize that expressing criticism of the government is not a crime. Contrary to Secretary Remulla’s claim, a public call for President Marcos Jr.’s resignation—especially amid unresolved allegations of large-scale corruption—is not sedition. It is a constitutionally protected act of political expression.
Any attempt to criminalize such speech disregards both the clear text of the Constitution and a long line of jurisprudence that has consistently defended the Filipino people’s right to speak, assemble, and demand accountability.
The Constitution is unambiguous: it shields citizens who criticize the government and who peacefully gather to seek redress of grievances. The Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that freedom of expression occupies an exalted place in our democratic order because it sustains every other right.
As early as Primicias v. Fugoso (1948), the Court stressed that fear of disruption is never enough to justify suppressing public speech. Only a clear and present danger of substantive evil can permit restriction, and even then, the burden lies squarely on the State. In Reyes v. Bagatsing (1983), the Court reminded the government that these freedoms are fundamental to democratic life.
There is no such danger here. Public demands for the resignation of a president accused of tolerating or enabling anomalous infrastructure projects are a legitimate expression of indignation over the State’s failure to investigate—or even prosecute—those responsible for misusing public funds. These calls reflect a citizenry that refuses to let silence become complicity.
Secretary Remulla’s warning, issued from the safety of a Cabinet position, signals the government’s intent to chill dissent rather than address the issues raised. Instead of protecting civil liberties, it threatens those who exercise them.
The words of the Court in the Primicias case still ring true: those who fought for independence did not exalt order at the expense of liberty. The Filipino people have confronted authoritarian power before—most decisively in 1986, when they toppled dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, who believed himself invulnerable. They know the dangers of unchecked authority and the steep price of silence.
Secretary Remulla’s statements only foreshadow more aggressive attempts to restrict public assembly, and silence calls for accountability. If the pattern holds, the State may once again resort to brutality and violations of basic rights to suppress protected acts of dissent.
Yet history teaches another lesson: the Filipino people will rise, as they have before, to assert their rights and refuse to let intimidation eclipse their just demands. They defend these freedoms not for spectacle or disorder, but out of an unyielding understanding that no democratic institution can endure without them.
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On a lighter note, to bring joy to City Hall employees, Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron has vowed to grant them the Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) in anticipation of the upcoming announcement from Malacañang.
Mayor Bayron has asked the members of the city council to immediately approve a proposed ordinance that will pave the way for Supplemental Budget No. 2, which allocates P61 million for this purpose.
Under the proposal, regular employees will each receive P20,000, while eligible contract-of-service and job-order personnel will receive P7,000. City-paid barangay health and social service volunteers will get a year-end incentive of P5,000.
City Councilor Jonjie Rodriguez, chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, explained that Malacañang’s order is expected before the Christmas break. However, since passing a city ordinance takes time, they need to prepare it now and hold special sessions so employees can enjoy the incentive during the holiday season.
By the way, I would like to call the attention of City Councilor Epitacio Lao and remind him that “public office is a public trust.”
As a newcomer enjoying the perks and benefits of city government—courtesy of Puerto Princesa taxpayers—he must observe proper protocols in dealing fairly with his constituents and office staff, in accordance with Civil Service rules and the guidelines of the City Human Resources Office.
I understand that Councilor Lao may not have a professional background; he was previously known as an employee—possibly a gasoline attendant—at a local gas station, and few could vouch for his character when he entered politics. After losing twice, he finally won on his third attempt by running under the slate of former Vice Mayor Maria Nancy Socrates.
Initially, he hired competent, well-educated staff from Socrates’ former team. Yet barely a few months after taking office in July, he reportedly changed his mind and informed some staff that he intended to terminate those linked to Socrates by the end of December 2025, sowing discord and animosity in his office.
Councilor Lao has failed to exercise due diligence, honesty, and good faith toward his employees, leaving them in limbo.
I have also heard that, without due process, he terminated his private secretary—a senior law student at Palawan State University’s College of Law.
While the position is co-terminous and based on trust and confidence, this does not give Lao the right to dismiss her whimsically. Termination must still follow due process under Civil Service rules and the authority of the Vice Mayor as head of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (currently Lawyer Vice Mayor Jimbo Maristela).
Councilor Lao must never forget that his elective position depends on the temper of city politics. This may well be his first and last term if he does not change his inappropriate behavior toward staff. He is no longer working at a gasoline station; he must act like a civil servant and treat people with courtesy and respect.
I sympathize with the law student, especially now during final exam week at PSU College of Law. Receiving a termination notice at this time has undoubtedly caused her immense stress and anxiety.
I advise Councilor Lao to show due respect for women—especially here in Puerto Princesa—and to avoid disheartening or humiliating anyone.
He should be grateful that the people of this city are caring and forgiving.
I also heard that on December 4, during Vice Mayor Maristela’s birthday celebration at Baker’s Hill in Sta. Monica, Lao was sharply confronted in a corner by one of the vice mayor’s political assistants over the staff terminations. Many guests overheard the exchange.
Lastly, residents of Lagan Subdivision have reportedly noticed Councilor Lao frequenting the area at night. Perhaps the city police intelligence unit should look into it.
Let us celebrate this Christmas with peace in our hearts and gratitude for all we have received from others.
