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The Anti-Terrorism Law as told by our lawmakers, activists and artists

Coronavirus cases are now at 40,336 as of this writing. But the Anti-Terrorism Law was apparently given more attention when presidential spokesperson Harry Roque confirmed the President has signed it earlier today.

ICYMI, this law aims to strengthen the Human Security Act of 2007, but its current iteration isn’t without questionable provisions that even the likes of the International Association of Democratic Lawyers, the Bangsamoro government, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet have called for it to be vetoed.

For one, the law criminalizes instigation of terrorism “by means of speeches, proclamations, writings, emblems, banners or other representations.” Suspects can also be detained up to 24 days without charge. Plus, it empowers an appointed “anti-terrorism council” to identify individuals or groups considered as suspected terrorists.

It’s no surprise that some citizens find the bill alarming. ABS-CBN noted how the #JunkTerrorBill hashtag was utilized to express opposing sentiments, while the Inquirer reported how lawyers’ groups, human rights advocates and some lawmakers feared that this bill could be weaponized against political dissent.

Just like everyone else, we can’t help but feel overwhelmed by The Anti-Terrorism Law approval. But we do have a lot of questions.

We’re curious about what our lawmakers, activists and artists are thinking right now. In case they haven’t popped up on your feed yet, here are some reacts regarding the new law that will either make you say “that’s on period” or “put it in the trash.”

If anyone’s curious, this TikTok from @6foot1crybaby summarized most of our current vibes pretty well:

Gabriela Women’s Party

Rep. Sarah Elago

Sen. Kiko Pangilinan

Sen. Risa Hontiveros

Sen. Panfilo Lacson

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque

Former deputy speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives Erin Tañada

 

Pride 20

Former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay

Atty. Chel Diokno

Renato Reyes Jr. of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan

Aika Robredo

 

Frankie Pangilinan

Iñigo Pascual

Juan Miguel Severo

Zild Benitez

Read more:
Harry Roque tries really, really hard to assure us that the Anti-Terrorism Bill won’t hurt freedom of speech
To Sen. Sotto, #JunkTerrorBill protestors are now “epal”
Panelo calls Anti-Terrorism Bill critics “cerebrally challenged”

Art by Tine Paz

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