MANILA, Philippines — Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co on Wednesday denounced the alleged violence against anti-corruption protesters during the first day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, saying force should never be used to suppress freedom of expression.
The lawmaker’s remarks came after police blocked an anti-corruption march to the Senate on the opening day of the impeachment proceedings and allegedly used metal shields to disperse protesters attempting to reach the complex. Around 12 activists reportedly sustained minor injuries during the confrontation.
In an ambush interview after the third day of the impeachment trial, Co told The Manila Times that authorities should protect, not suppress, the public’s right to participate in the accountability process.
“When we say freedom of expression, it means our people should be supported in how they want to take part in the process of accountability. We do not want it to reach the point where force is used to stop freedom of expression,” Co said.
Co also urged young Filipinos to remain actively engaged throughout the impeachment proceedings instead of merely observing them.
“If there are mobilizations, we should participate because we reject corruption and we want to put an end to this kind of leadership,” she said.
