The three-day protest by members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo in support of Senator Rodante Marcoleta showed that freedom of expression and the right to hold protests or rallies remain alive in the country.
Rights Come with Responsibilities
However, every right comes with a corresponding responsibility. It cannot be denied that the sudden gathering resulted in severe traffic along EDSA, affecting thousands of motorists. The right of one group to protest must also be balanced with consideration for the rights of the majority to go about their daily lives without disruption.
Peaceful Conclusion a Positive Sign
It is a positive sign that the entire event ended peacefully. The discipline shown by the participants and the professional management by the police helped prevent serious unrest.
According to observers, the number of attendees or the loudness of the protest should not be the measure of the truth of a cause. Justice can only be achieved when evidence and the law serve as the guide for judgment.
Democracy Requires Balance
This event serves as a reminder that democracy requires a balance between freedom and public welfare. The government must protect the right to peaceful assembly while ensuring that the rights of others are not violated.
In the end, a strong democracy is not measured by the number of marchers, but by the nation's ability to enforce the law fairly, without fear, and without favor.
