Filipinos in Macao have been given an official warning not to gather in public without proper authorisation after hundreds of supporters of presidential candidate Bong Bong Marcos rallied around the city last Sunday.
“The Philippine Consulate General in Macao wishes to remind the Filipino community in Macao to desist from organising public gatherings without obtaining prior permission from the concerned authorities,” a notice on the Consulate’s website cautioned.
“Recent pronouncements by Macao authorities have emphasised that the right to assemble and demonstrate in public areas is enjoyed by Macao Permanent Residents and is subject to applicable rules and regulations, including obtaining a prior permit from the local authorities concerned.
“The Consulate wishes to emphasise that all non-resident workers in Macao 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 tourist or other visas.
“The Consulate would like to remind all Filipinos in Macao 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 Macao Government and to respect the sensitivities of the local community.”
Hundreds of supporters of Bong Bong Marcos, the only son of late Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos, gathered in different areas in Macao on Sunday without the necessary authorisation, including the Ruins of St. Paul and around Nam Van Lake.
