The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressed its full support to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for assuring “maximum tolerance” during rallies that are expected to be held during the July 24 State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. In a statement, CHR said: “As an important national event, SONA serves as an opportunity for many groups and individuals to express their views, stances, and grievances on important national issues.” By providing a safe space for peaceful assembly, the CHR said that the state is demonstrating responsive governance that sincerely listens to its people. It underscored the “important role” of law enforcement in enabling citizens to exercise their rights in a safe and secure environment. “We are hopeful that the PNP's statement of assurance will translate to efforts by State forces to protect and facilitate the right to peaceful protest in the same manner that they will endeavor to ensure peace and order,” it said. It reminded that “peace goes both ways” as it pointed out that the protesting citizenry have to do their part by complying strictly with the requirements of Batas Pambansa 880 (BP 880) which mandates a written permit in the conduct of a peaceful assembly in a public place, unless held in a freedom park, in a private property, or in the campus of a government-owned and operated educational institution. It said it will field its own investigators and lawyers to monitor rallies and help ensure the conduct of peaceful protests.