Negros bishops to terror bill backers: It will be on your conscience

BACOLOD CITY—Two Catholic bishops have added their voices to an already loud criticism of the new anti-terror bill that is now on President Rodrigo Duterte’s table for signing into law, saying they see it as a way to stifle dissent.

Bishop Patricio Buzon of Bacolod said while he recognized the mandate of the government to secure its people against acts of terrorism, it should do so without sacrificing human rights.

“The crafting of this draconian piece of legislation is an assault to our right to be consulted on matters of state policies that gravely impact the lives of our people and democracy,” he said.

Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, of San Carlos, said the “terror bill,” when signed by Duterte into law, will be like “the winnowing fan that will separate the grain from the chaff”.

“It will unmask who the true defenders of human rights and of the poor are and who are not as well as who will steadfastly proclaim the truth ‘in season or out of season’ and continue our Church’s prophetic mission and who will be silenced,” he said.

“We shall put the burden of its consequences on the consciences of its authors and those who did nothing,” said Alminaza.

“Our challenge is to stay vigilant, engage key players in meaningful dialog and critical collaboration and use our God-given gifts to be a positive force to achieve our shared goals,” he said.

“We refuse to lose hope,” the bishop added.

Edited by TSB