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19th petition filed against Anti-Terror Law

Aug 13, 2020
2 min read

by Alyssandra Ysabel Ramos

COUNTLESS. Petition over petition, senators lined up in front of the palace, countless are the efforts for freedom of the Filipino people. © Santos

Church leaders, women’s organizations, and law groups filed petitions regarding the unconstitutionality of the Anti-Terror Law last July 24, marking the 19th petition since the law was passed.

“This will affect the lives of many people and only weaken democracy in our country. From fisherfolk to indigenous peoples and urban poor to rural farmers, anyone who dares to speak in dissent or organize for positive community development will be affected by the possible threats of the Anti-Terror Law," said Manila auxillary bishop, Broderick Pabillo.

The Alternative Law Group, a coalition of 18 legal resource Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), filed the 17th petition against the Anti-Terrorism Law, explaining that their acts of providing expert advice and assistance to such individuals would be considered as violations of Section 12 which makes them subject to the same penalties.

Various church representatives led by Manila auxillary bishop Broderick Pabillo filed the 18th petition mentioning threats that they would be prosecuted under the law.

Pabillo expressed his concern about the Anti-Terror Law, explaining that this will shrink democratic space because of fear.

Women’s organization, Gabriela, and multiple women leaders filed the 19th petition claiming that the Anti-Terror Law poses a valid threat to women.

Gabriela further explained that the law would classify 36 years of Gabriela’s work advocating for marginalized women as an act of terrorism, citing incidents where the organization had been red-tagged even before the law was passed.

The Anti-Terror Bill (ATB) was signed last July 3, 2020 and took effect on July 18, 2020.

The ATB’s principal authors, Sen. Panfilo Lacson, Sen. Imee Marcos, and Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto have defended the bill and its contents, saying that there are enough safeguards to prevent abuse and misinterpretation of the bill.