BAGUIO CITY –– Saying the new anti-terrorism bill encourages government enforcers to act like terrorists, more than 50 campus organizations objected to “vague definitions of terrorism” in the measure, which can lead to the detention of government critics and dissenters.
“Democracy requires of us to demand transparency from the government, speak up against injustices, and ensure that the voice of the marginalized is heard by those in power,” states a declaration penned by groups enrolled in the University of the Philippines (UP) Baguio, the University of Baguio (UB), the University of the Cordilleras, the Benguet State University (BSU), and the Saint Louis University (SLU).
“In fulfilling these civic duties,” they said, youth organizations have been plagued by political vilification, which could worsen when the new bill is enforced.
“These malicious acts in no way counter-terrorism, but rather becomes the very thing it seeks to quell––an act of terror,” the statement asserts. “Fighting for truth, justice, and our country’s democracy is not a crime!” it adds.
The groups also denounced “all human rights violations committed nationwide by various branches of the government during the community quarantine period.”
Instead of harassing curfew breakers, the groups said the government must work out the “immediate, efficient, and free mass testing of our frontliners, including, but not limited to health workers, utility workers, delivery personnel, security personnel, and members of skeletal workforces in government offices, banks, schools, and essential businesses.”
“This is a key factor in ensuring that the resumption of mass transportation, on-site classes, and return of workforces will [not trigger] coronavirus disease transmissions,” they said.
Among the organizations which expressed opposition to the bill were the student councils of UB and UP Baguio, SLU’s school publication White and Blue, and DAP-AY BSU.
The groups Anakbayan, Alliance of Concerned Students, the Colleges Editors Guild of the Philippines in the Cordillera, the Kabataan Partylist in the Cordillera, and the Progressive Igorot for Social Action also joined the declaration.