In a text message sent to reporters tonight, Atty. Neri Javier Colmenares of the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) assailed the curfew imposed by the Arroyo government as unconstitutional.

Citing Article III Section 6 of the Constitution which mandates that freedom of movement of the people may not be impaired except if provided by law, Colmenares said that there being no law allowing the government’s curfew, the ongoing curfew is unconstitutional, adding that “curfew arrests are illegal”.

Colmenares also said that NUPL is willing to provide counsel to media and civilians, like bishops, who were arrested after the Peninsula Manila event in Makati City.

The NUPL is a nationwide voluntary association of human rights lawyers in the Philippines, committed to the defense, protection, and promotion of human rights, especially of the poor and the oppressed.