We, the people of the Province of Laguna, call on our representatives to immediately withdraw their support and vote NO to the Anti-Terrorism Bill.

On June 3, 2020, the House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 6875 or the “Anti-Terrorism Bill”, which aims to repeal the Human Security Act of 2007. This was passed by a majority of the representatives despite wide opposition from various groups due to provisions that threaten civil and political liberties. 

As Filipino citizens, we strongly condemn terrorism and acts that threaten public safety and welfare. However, we believe that we must protect ourselves from these without curtailing the fundamental freedoms of our people. Thus, we strongly emphasize our concerns over some of the salient points of this measure:

First, its definition of terrorism is broad and may be subject to misinterpretation. Second, the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) is given the power to designate persons or organizations as terrorists for purposes of surveillance. Third, the periods of surveillance and detention have been increased. Fourth, the bill minimizes the role of the Congress for legislative oversight and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to prosecute persons who may have violated the civil and political rights. Matched with the power to arrest and detain those designated as “terrorists” without a warrant, the implementation of this law may be used to silence critics, undermine our democratic institutions, and pave way to human rights violations.

Despite these concerns, Rep. Dan Fernandez (1st District), Rep. Ruth Mariano-Hernandez (2nd District), and the Rep. Joaquin M. Chipeco Jr. (Calamba) voted YES. On the other hand, Rep. Sol Aragones (3rd District) and Rep. Marlyn B. Alonte-Naguiat (Binan) ABSTAINED. Rep. Benjamin C. Agarao, Jr. (4th District) is the only representative with NO REGISTERED VOTE. 

We remind our representatives of Laguna’s significance as a cradle of nationalist and progressive leaders who struggled for freedom and democracy. Jose Rizal, himself a son of Calamba, was arrested and shot for criticizing the tyranny of Spanish rule through his novels. His work sparked a revolution that birthed our nation. Brigadier General Vicente Lim fought against the Japanese and inspired patriots to stand for our country and people against foreign occupation. Our province sheltered hundreds of activists who revolted to redeem democracy during the Marcos regime. The decision made by our representatives on this matter is an insult to the sacrifices of our heroes. 

To our representatives: We deserve an explanation for your vote on this bill. We ask you to consider the concerns raised by your constituents. We demand that you immediately withdraw your support from and vote NO to the Anti-Terrorism Bill. 

We, the people of Laguna, will continue to honor our heroes by protecting the freedom that they sacrificed their lives for. We will defend the right of every Lagunense and Filipino to speak without fear for their liberties. We invite everyone to work with us as we continue to uphold human rights for the welfare of the Filipino people.