‘The demise of democracy’: Filipinos denounce signing of anti-terror law

Gaby Baizas

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Many Filipinos on social media express their distress over the new law, which lawyers and human rights advocates fear the government can use to silence critics

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte signed the controversial anti-terrorism bill into law on Friday, July 3, giving the executive branch more power to act against persons and groups considered as terrorists and those supporting them.

The anti-terrorism law will effectively repeal the 2007 Human Security Act, law enforcers considered too weak to use against terrorist, and which human rights lawyers failed to have the Supreme Court strike down as unconstitutional. (EXPLAINER: Comparing dangers in old law and anti-terror bill)

The bill was already met with great opposition when it was passed in Congress on June 3. The House adopted the Senate’s version of the bill, which was passed earlier this year in FebruaryDuterte certified the bill as urgent.

Filipinos spoke up against the bill after it hurdled Congress, and underscored the need for dissent in a healthy democracy. (READ: House of terror: How the lower chamber let slip a ‘killer’ bill)

On Friday evening, Filipinos reiterated their strong disapproval of the signed measure. #OUSTDUTERTENOW, #VetoTerrorBillNow, and #JunkTerrorLaw topped Twitter’s list of trending topics in the Philippines.

Many Filipinos questioned the government’s priorities and the timing of the law, as it was approved in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus cases in the country breached 40,000 the same day the law was signed.



Other Filipinos admitted they weren’t surprised by the signing of the law, as they expected such from a strongman like Duterte.

A number of netizens juxtaposed this with China’s recent passing of the Hong Kong security law. The law, which took effect on July 1, gives Beijing jurisdiction over “very serious” national security crimes in a move to control the city after months of widespread pro-democracy protests. (READ: Hong Kong national security law: 5 key facts you need to know)

Some on social media mourned what they called “the death of democracy,” as human rights advocates previously warned the law could be used to stifle government critics.

Here’s what other Filipinos had to say about the law:

What are your thoughts on this development? – Rappler.com

 

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!
Sleeve, Clothing, Apparel

author

Gaby Baizas

Gaby Baizas is a digital forensics researcher at Rappler. She first joined Rappler straight out of college as a digital communications specialist. She hopes people learn to read past headlines the same way she hopes punk never dies.