Stars, politicos put it on ‘The Great Dictator’ video protest vs anti-terror law

MANILA, Philippines — A gathering of some of the country’s biggest stars, human rights advocates and other political figures performed the Filipino version of the famed final speech from Charlie Chaplin’s “The Great Dictator” movie to protest the signing of the anti-terror law.

The speech was translated to Filipino by Rody Vera and was directed and edited by Chuck Gutierrez. It premiered on YouTube on Monday.

Actor John Lloyd Cruz, with a mustache resembling Chaplin, opened the five-minute black and white video speech.

“Kinalulungkot ko, pero ayoko maging diktador. Hindi iyan ang gusto ko. Ayokong mamuno o manakop ng kahit sino,” Cruz said.

(I’m sorry, but I don’t want to be a dictator. That’s not my business. I don’t want to rule or conquer anyone.)

Human rights lawyer and former lawmaker Neri Colmenares also figured in the video, saying: “Ayaw nating kapootan o kamuhian ang sinuman at may lugar ang daigdig para sa lahat, at sagana ang butihing mundo at kaya nitong maglaan para sa lahat.”

(We don’t want to hate or despise one another. This world has room for everyone. And the good Earth is rich and can provide for everyone.)

He was followed by Kapuso actress Janine Gutierrez: “Ang buhay ay maaaring maging malaya at maganda, pero tayo’y naligaw ng landas.”

(The way of life can be free and beautiful, but we have lost the way.)

Other celebrities in the video were directors Joel Lamangan, Lav Diaz and actresses Jasmin Curtis, Agot Isidro, Iza Calzado and Glaiza de Castro.

Former Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno, Senators Risa Hontiveros and Francis Pangilinan along with opposition stalwart Chel Diokno and Samira Gutoc were also in the video as well as media personalities Randy David, Maria Ressa and Winnie Monsod.

As of posting time, the video now has over 14,500 views on YouTube.

Uploaded by Voyage Studios, the video aimed to protest the signing of the controversial anti-terror law.

It ended with the hastag: #junkterrorlaw.

President Duterte on Friday signed the bill into law despite massive opposition by the public, human rights lawyers, and some lawmakers for fears that could be used as a state weapon against dissent and criticisms.

The new law seeks to strengthen the Human Security Act of 2007 and criminalizes incitement of terrorism “by means of speeches, proclamations, writings, emblems, banners, or other representations.”

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