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Anti-Terrorism Act - Congzon, Jarod

The document discusses concerns around the Anti-Terrorism Law recently passed in the Philippines. It notes that the law defines terrorism more broadly compared to previous laws, in ways that could see peaceful protesters labeled as terrorists. There are also concerns that President Duterte, who has threatened journalists and activists critical of his policies, could misuse the law to target his critics by labeling them and groups as terrorists. Opposition to the law is high due to the administration's past efforts to repress dissent and free speech. Supporters of the law focus on threats from insurgent groups like the NPA, but critics argue the law could severely undermine civil liberties.

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Jarod Congzon
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76 views2 pages

Anti-Terrorism Act - Congzon, Jarod

The document discusses concerns around the Anti-Terrorism Law recently passed in the Philippines. It notes that the law defines terrorism more broadly compared to previous laws, in ways that could see peaceful protesters labeled as terrorists. There are also concerns that President Duterte, who has threatened journalists and activists critical of his policies, could misuse the law to target his critics by labeling them and groups as terrorists. Opposition to the law is high due to the administration's past efforts to repress dissent and free speech. Supporters of the law focus on threats from insurgent groups like the NPA, but critics argue the law could severely undermine civil liberties.

Uploaded by

Jarod Congzon
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Jarod Congzon

H221-CAKO
Joseph Dongel
June 17, 2021

why is the anti-terror law feared is it needed to secure the country from terrorists will it

suppress freedom of expression president Rodrigo Duterte signed the anti-terrorism bill into law

despite strong public opposition. Should we enact a law or another law that will enhance

capabilities in terrorism. Some would ask why we would need anti-terrorism law when we have

human security act. What exactly differentiates the two.

First thing we need to understand is how the term “Terrorism” is defined in these laws. In

the Human Security act of 2007, terrorism is defined as “creating a condition widespread and

extraordinary fear and panic among the public”. Under section 4 of Republic Act No. 11479 or

Anti-Terrorism law it is divided into five definitions. These are: Engaging in activities with the

intent of causing death or serious physical harm to another person, or endangering a person's life,

Acting with the intent of causing severe damage or destruction to a government or public facility,

public place, or private property, engaging in activities with the intent of interfering with,

damaging, or destroying vital infrastructure, developing, producing, owning, acquiring,

transporting, or employing weapons, explosives, or biological, nuclear, radiological, or chemical

weapons and release of dangerous substances, or causing fire, floods and explosions.

Now picture a protest where people are against the law, keep in mind that no protest is

completely peaceful. Within both ends of the opposing party there will be people who will entice

violence against the opposition. Following the new definition of the law, those with power can

assume that the protesters are hazardous to the surrounding citizens, which makes them liable the
new anti-terrorism act. And this is what the public and especially human rights activists are wary

of.

Human right activists are anxiously awaiting for president the president of the Philippines

to sign a law that punishes terrorism more harshly. But they are not worried about the terrorist,

they are worried of anyone who oppose the government being labeled as terrorist. Which has a

history of using its national security law against its own people. Cabinet members would be the

ones deciding who to label as terrorists. That means the power to label any organization as a

terrorist group and cut off their funding is now in the hands of high ranking politicians mostly

loyal to Duterte.

One can easily imagine that this will be disastrously misused. It is highly possible for the

current president to use this law against his critics and the opposition, there is exactly nothing to

stop the president from doing so. In 2019 the U.N. reported that his lists of terrorists included

more than 80 human rights activists and community service organizations. He has threatened

journalists, politicians, religious leaders, and activists who have spoken out against his policies.

Then in may the government shut down the countries biggest social network.

Filipinos are divided on the measure; those who face daily threats from the New People's

Army favor it. On the contrary, individuals who have witnessed the present administration's

efforts to repress people's freedom of speech and press freedom, such as the shutdown of the

major media network and accusations against opposition senator Leila de Lima, reject the

measure. Those in favor of the law have barely scratched the surface, justifying it with the NPA's

threat.

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