SEVERAL activists in Cebu are heading to trial over a protest that questioned government flood control projects.
The progressive group Bayan–Central Visayas confirmed on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, that the case has been elevated to court. They described the charges as “political harassment.”
The charges stem from a rally held on September 5, 2025. Police filed complaints under Batas Pambansa 880, also known as the Public Assembly Act of 1985.
During the protest, groups called out the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). They claimed there were anomalies in flood control projects involving billions of pesos in public funds.
Tomatoes and “ghost projects”
The September protest took place outside the DPWH Cebu City District Engineering Office in Barangay Tinago.
To show their disapproval, protesters hurled tomatoes at the DPWH logo. They condemned what they described as “ghost projects” and the alleged lavish lifestyle of some contractors.
The rally coincided with the scheduled 2026 budget deliberations of the DPWH at the House of Representatives. Groups involved included Sanlakas Cebu, Kabataan, and student activists.
Who is charged?
The individuals facing charges include:
[]Jaime Paglinawan, chairman of Bayan Central Visayas and Alyansa sa mga Mamumuo sa Sugbo-Kilusang Mayo Uno (AMA Sugbo-KMU)
[]Belinda Allere of Panaghugpong Kadamay Cebu
[]John Ruiz, chairman of Bayan Muna Central Visayas
[]Howell Villacrusis, secretary general of AMA Sugbo-KMU
[]Victor Sumampong Jr. of BMP Sanlakas
[]Student leader Jian Rick Pelayo
Bayan said that several respondents did not receive subpoenas. They also claimed that some individuals were identified through photographs despite not actually participating in the rally.
According to the group, some respondents have yet to receive copies of the prosecutor’s resolution.
“No permit, no rally”
In an eight-page resolution dated November 12, 2025, the Office of the Cebu City Prosecutor ordered the filing of criminal charges.
Police reported that the group gathered at approximately 8:30 a.m. along S. Osmeña St. Authorities said the assembly became disorderly, citing protesters shouting “unsavory words” and throwing objects at the fence.
The police noted that the incident caused minor property damage and disrupted access to the government office. Capt. Jade Basingao of the Cebu City Police Office Station 3 filed the complaint because no permit was secured from the mayor’s office.
Assistant City Prosecutor Lei Maurae Babatuan found enough evidence against the respondents. The resolution stated there is reasonable certainty of conviction based on police affidavits and witness statements. It also noted that the respondents failed to submit counter-affidavits to refute the allegations.
The resolution emphasized that while the Constitution protects the right to assemble, the state has police power to regulate such actions for public safety.
Under the law, organizers of assemblies held without a permit face imprisonment ranging from six months and one day to six years.
Batas Pambansa 880 requires organizers to secure a permit from local government units. The law, which outlines the “no permit, no rally” policy, was enacted in 1985 during the term of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. / EHP