A number of supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte were in tears at a prayer rally at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on March 15, 2025. Duterte, who is now in the custody of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, has been accused of crimes against humanity for his bloody war of drugs during his term. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA — Malacañang assured supporters of detained former President Rodrigo Duterte that government will not block gatherings for his birthday but reminded them to stay within the law.

In a briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government recognizes the constitutional rights to assembly and expression and that there have been no orders to prevent these from happening.

“At huwag lamang po silang lalagpas at maituturing na ang kanilang mga ginagawa ay labag na po sa batas,” she said.

(As long as they do not stray beyond the law and break it)

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She added:  “Pag sumigaw, na ibagsak ang gobyerno, isa 'yan. Kapag nagpatuloy ng pananalita— parang to sow fear, i-promote pa yung hatred sa government, bordering the line of inciting to sedition.”

(If they shout for the overthrow of government, that’s one example. If they continue speaking to sow fear or to promote hatred of government, that may border on inciting to sedition)

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Batas Pambansa No. 880 requires local government permits for public assemblies except when they are done in designated freedom parks. The law, which dates back to the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos, has been regularly used to prevent protests and similar rallies.

BP No. 880 exempts "political meetings or rallies held during any election campaign period as provided for by law" from the permit requirement.

Castro, a lawyer, said the leaders of Duterte supporters' groups should know the limits of their rights.

Sen. Bong Go, one of Duterte’s closest allies has said "over 200 sites around the world" would be holding synchronized events to mark Duterte's 80th birthday.

The Davao City Police Office on Thursday said it would deploy about 1,800 personnel to secure the city as thousands are expected to join gatherings for Duterte.

National democratic activist group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan also scheduled a protest at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila to mark Duterte's birthday.

"There will be no birthday candles in today’s Liwasang Bonifacio protest. There will only be candles for remembering the dead, placed on a black coffin, along with the unyielding demand for justice," Bayan president Renato Reyes Jr. said in a statement.

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PALACE WISHES DUTERTE A HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Malacañang on Friday also extended birthday greetings to former president Duterte.

Castro even encouraged Palace reporters to sing happy birthday to Duterte as she wished him good health and good fortune.

“Gaya nga po ng sinabi natin noong nakaraan, dapat lamang po nating batiin ng happy birthday ang dating pangulong Duterte. At kung maaari nga po nating kantahan lahat ng 'happy birthday' ang pangulo,” Castro said.

(As I previously said, we really should greet former president Duterte a happy birthday. And if we can, let's sing him a 'happy birthday)

She added: “Of course, we wish more years to come. We also wish good health, good fortune, kailangan po niya 'yon (He needs it).”

Duterte is currently detained at the ICC detention facility in the Hague in the Netherlands as he awaits trial for charges of crimes against humanity.