While online users continue to voice their sentiments against the passing of the Anti-Terrorism Bill, some protesters—including progressive youth groups and party-lists—took the protests from virtual to reality.
Today, June 3, members of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, Anakpawis, Sama-samang Artista para sa Kilusang Agraryo, and more went to the streets in protest against the infamous bill, chanting, “Activism is not terrorism.” The protesters expressed their dissent inside the University of the Philippines Diliman campus, just as the bill is on the verge of its final reading.
“Kung ang gobyernong Duterte ay ginagawang ligal ang terorismo ng estado, tungkulin ng mamamayan na labanan at biguin ito,” says Ariel Casilao, former Anakpawis representative.
In the same city, Kabataan Partylist, Gabriela Women’s Party ,and more held a noise barrage right outside the House of Representatives, rallying for the same cause.
“Prioritize mass testing, #JunkTerrorBill,” reads one placard from a protester. Several users have questioned the choice to fast-track the bill—which President Duterte labeled “urgent”—while COVID-19 cases have already surpassed 19,000 cases in the country. Vice President Leni Robredo has also called the timing into question. “Wala ni isa sa mga nabanggit kong pangangailangan ang matutugunan ng batas na ito.”
Physical protests are one way to have your voices heard by the government. But for those who aren’t able to head out, you can email lawmakers to let them know about your cause.
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Photo courtesy of College Editors Guild of the Philippines