MANILA — A Quezon City court has acquitted 21 residents of San Roque, Quezon City who were arrested at the height of COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 for protesting out of hunger.

QC Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 38 granted their demurrer to evidence in 3 criminal charges, as the prosecution was found not to have presented enough evidence.

The QC court said the "San Roque 21" did not violate RA 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases Act because they were on EDSA begging for food.

“Accused’s attempt and effort to secure food at the start of the ECQ is not covered by Section 9(e) of RA 11332,” it said.

A QC court acquits 21 San Roque residents arrested at the start of the lockdown for protesting out of hunger in 2020.

QC MTC Br 38 granted their demurrer to evidence in 3 criminal charges, as prosecution was found not to have presented enough evidence. | via @mikenavallo pic.twitter.com/oo9BBhALsQ

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) June 7, 2022

It also ruled that San Roque 21 could not be penalized for violating Batas Pambansa 880 or the Public Assembly Act of 1985 because the law only punishes leaders or organizers who conduct a rally without a permit, not mere participants.

The law also says participants in peaceful rallies cannot be criminally liable.

The QC court also found that San Roque 21 did not violate Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code because they were not charged for resisting arrest and “were acting within their rights when they went outside of their respective residences to plea for food.”

• Distribution of relief packs in Sitio San Roque
• Police nab QC residents who gathered to ask for food, other aid during lockdown

In a statement, lawyers of San Roque 21 said “justice was served today.”

“Political repression always thrives on fear and sheer might. But with the law in our favor, the people should always have the right to reason and resist,” they said.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

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