Groups protest signing of ‘Terror Law’
Groups protest signing of ‘Terror Law’
A protester uses her face mask to express her sentiments.
(Photo: Carlo Manalansan / Bulatlat)
“The Anti-Terror Act of 2020 tramples on our basic human rights and it is unconstitutional. It does not provide us safeguards and protection from terrorism. If anything, it is the very tool that creates all-out terror among the people.”
By MENCHANI TILENDO
Bulatlat.com
MANILA – More than a thousand protesters trooped to UP Diliman University Avenue a day after President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Anti-Terror Act of 2020.
Refusing to be terrorized by the dangerous provisions in the Republic Act. No. 11479, activists from various sectors pointed out that “the real terrorists” are Duterte, his Cabinet members, and the authors of the bill.
Among those who joined were members of progressive groups who experienced first-hand what they described as “the Duterte virus, which has been wreaking havoc on the lives of the Filipino people.”
Elmer Cordero, 72, said in Filipino, “The Anti-Terror Law should be junked. In the middle of the pandemic, the government’s misplaced priorities have hit hardest the poorest of the poor like us. Even before this law was passed, ordinary citizens like us have already experienced full-blown police brutality as we were treated like criminals when we were only fighting for our livelihood.”
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