Duterte’s peace adviser backs revival of anti-subversion law

MANILA, Philippines—Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Carlito Galvez Jr. on Tuesday said he is in favor of reinstating a law that criminalizes communism.

Galvez, a former military chief, said the Anti-Subversion Law, which made membership of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) punishable by law, will “multiply” the effects of the government’s localized peace talks with communist rebel forces in the Philippines.

“I believe mas maganda po. It can multiply the effect kasi unang-una ‘yung mga organizations na affiliated sa CPP-NPA ay definitely we can carve them and we can ano issue warrants,” Galvez said in a Palace briefing.

Enacted in 1957, the Anti-Subversion Act makes membership of the CPP and “any other organization having the same purpose” punishable by up to 12 years in prison. 

It was repealed in 1992 as part of the peace negotiations between the communist rebels and former President Fidel Ramos.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año has been pushing for its revival to counter the alleged recruitment efforts of leftist organizations in some schools and universities in the country.

But Malacañang said reviving the law requires study. /je