THE "peaceful" conduct of second "Walk for Life" demonstrates the Duterte government's respect for Filipinos' democracy and freedom, which remain "very much alive," Malacañang said on Saturday, February 24.
"We thank everyone’s cooperation from the Catholic leaders to our authorities for making today’s Walk for Life gathering peaceful," Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said on Saturday.
"Today’s Walk for Life is a testament that democracy and freedom are very much alive in the Philippines," he added.
Catholic Church leaders invited public to join the "Walk for Life" event from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. Saturday at Quirino Grandstand in Manila as an expression of solidarity with the religious group in the preservation of "human life and human dignity."
Simultaneous walks were also held in other dioceses, like in the Archdioceses of Cebu and Cagayan de Oro and the Dioceses of San Pablo and Tarlac.
This year's "Walk for Life" is aimed at raising concerns over pressing issues hurled against the current administration, like the rising death toll associated with anti-drug campaign and proposed revival of death penalty, among others.
Roque said President Rodrigo Duterte welcomed "constructive criticism[s]" over his implemented policies and programs.
"As we all know, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is open to constructive criticism. He allows everyone, including the protesters, to fully exercise their right to express their grievances within the bounds of the law," he said. (SunStar Philippines)