MANILA (UPDATED) - President Rodrigo Duterte clarified Monday that September 21, the 45th anniversary of the declaration of the Marcos-era martial law, will not be a holiday in the Philippines.
"September 21 is not a holiday, I have declared it a day of protest. Yung gusto mag protesta laban sa gobyerno, laban sa pulis, laban sa military o lahat, magbabaan kayo lahat," he told reporters.
He urged protesters not to commit crimes on September 21 because the Army and police will remain in barracks except for traffic policemen.
He said government officials will also do their own protest over low salaries and lack of equipment and allowances. "Sabay tayo mag protesta sa gobyerno natin," he said.
Asked if there will be a suspension of classes and government work on that day, he said: "'Walang trabaho. O kung gusto niyong taga-gobyerno, merong mga unyon-unyon dyan, they should participate."
It was unclear if the President is suspending classes nationwide on September 21 and if it covers both public and private schools and universities.