The Philippine Consulate-General urged its compatriots yesterday to refrain from organising public gatherings without authorisation from the local government.
“The Philippine Consulate General in Macau wishes to remind the Filipino Community in Macau to desist from organising public gatherings without obtaining prior permission from concerned Macau authorities,” the statement says.
“Recent pronouncements by Macau authorities have emphasised that the right to assemble and demonstrate in public areas is enjoyed by Macau Permanent Residents and is subject to applicable rules and regulations, including obtaining a prior permit from the local authorities concerned,” the statement underlines.
“The Consulate wishes to emphasise that all non-resident workers in Macau must strictly follow the laws, rules and regulations of the host government and that any violation of which may be [the] basis for the termination of the employment contract and the consequent cancellation of the Permit to Stay. The same principle applies to those holding a tourist or other visas,” the statement warns.
“The Consulate would like to remind all Filipinos in Macau to desist from engaging in gatherings, assemblies, or other activities that have a political or partisan character, including the use of banners and uniforms. All Filipinos are once again reminded to strictly observe the laws and regulations of the Macau Government and to respect the sensitivities of the local community,” the statement posted on the consulate’s website concluded.
The statement was issued as a reminder after hundreds of supporters of Philippine presidential candidate Bong Bong Marcos (BBM) gathered in different areas in Macau on Sunday without the necessary authorisation, including the Ruins of St. Paul and areas around Nam Van Lake.
BBM is the only son of late Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos.
