MANILA, Philippines — The Youth Reform Movement Philippines (YRMPH) said it will hold a motorcade in protest of the swift passage of the anti-terror bill at the Quezon Memorial Circle on Friday to coincide with the commemoration of the Philippines’ 122nd Independence Day.
The youth group, formerly known as Youth for Miriam, said the “BOOsina Para sa Kalayaan (Honk for Freedom) campaign which urges motorists to honk their car horns for 12 minutes to protest the anti-terror bill which is “government’s measure to kill the country’s independence and freedom.”
“As we commemorate our country’s independence, it is also the time to raise the red flag against the series of government activities that are killing the country’s democracy and liberties,” Paolo Quimbo, YRMPH vice-chairperson for programs, said in a statement.
The group said they will observe physical distancing and other health protocols during the protest as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
To recall, the anti-terror bill was approved by the Senate and House of Representatives and was transmitted to President Rodrigo Duterte for his signature.
The youth group, formerly known as Youth for Miriam, said the protest will also commemorate the 75th anniversary of the late Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago who was described as “crusader for freedom and the rule of law, known for authoring bills promoting human rights and for being a well-decorated legal academic and judge.”
“We take inspiration from the late Senator Miriam who was never afraid to call a spade a spade and fight for the rule of law no matter the odds,” Rhyan Malandog, chairperson of YRMPH said in a statement.