Cebu Activists Confront Criminal Charges Following 2025 Flood Control Protest
Several Cebuano activists are now facing criminal charges stemming from a protest held in September 2025, where they questioned alleged corruption in government flood control projects. The progressive coalition Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan)–Central Visayas has labeled these cases as "political harassment," asserting that the legal actions are intended to suppress dissent.
Legal Actions Under Public Assembly Act
In a statement released on February 16, 2026, Bayan–Central Visayas disclosed that the police have filed cases under Batas Pambansa Blg. 880, also known as the Public Assembly Act of 1985, against individuals involved in the rally on September 5, 2025. This protest, organized by various progressive groups, targeted the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) over purported anomalies in flood control projects, which activists claim involve billions of pesos in public funds.
According to Bayan, the Office of the Cebu City Prosecutor has already elevated these cases to the court, signaling a formal legal proceeding against the accused activists.
List of Accused Activists
The individuals charged include prominent figures from activist organizations in Central Visayas. Among them are:
- Jaime Paglinawan, Chairperson of Bayan Central Visayas and AMA Sugbo-KMU
- Belinda Allere from Panaghugpong Kadamay Cebu
- John Ruiz, Chairperson of Bayan Muna Central Visayas
- Howell Villacrusis, Secretary General of AMA Sugbo-KMU
- Victor Sumampong Jr. from BMP Sanlakas
- Jian Rick Pelayo, a Student Leader
Bayan has raised concerns about irregularities in the filing of the complaint, noting that some of the accused did not receive subpoenas, while others were identified solely through photographs, despite claims that they did not participate in the rally.
Prosecutor's Resolution and Allegations
In a resolution dated November 12, 2025, the Office of the City Prosecutor ordered the filing of criminal charges against the respondents for organizing and participating in the rally without a government permit. The protest took place in front of the DPWH District Engineering Office in Barangay Tinago.
According to the resolution, the group assembled at 8:30 AM along S. Osmeña Street. Police reports indicate that the gathering turned disorderly when participants shouted offensive words and threw tomatoes at the DPWH fence. This allegedly caused minor property damage and obstructed public access to the government office.
Authorities confirmed that the rallyists did not obtain a permit from the Mayor’s Office, a requirement under Philippine law for public assemblies.
Legal Basis and Potential Penalties
Assistant City Prosecutor Lei Maurae Babatuan found a prima facie case against the accused based on affidavits from police and witnesses. The respondents did not submit counter-affidavits to address the allegations, which strengthened the prosecutor's decision to proceed with the charges.
Under Philippine law, organizers of assemblies conducted without a permit can face imprisonment ranging from six months and one day to six years. This legal framework underscores the serious consequences for violating public assembly regulations, even in cases involving protests against government projects.
The ongoing legal battle highlights tensions between activist groups and authorities in Cebu, with implications for freedom of assembly and anti-corruption advocacy in the region.
