Councilor Karl Castelo of the 21st Quezon City (QC) Council passed a resolution last Thursday urging the city government to oppose the Republic Act (RA) 11479 or Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, commonly referred to as the ‘terror law.’
“The said proposed resolution if passed aims to urge Congress to revisit, review amend or repeal several provisions which are deemed detrimental to basic human rights,” Castelo said.
The young Castelo from QC 5th district wanted to express his support for freedom, democracy and human rights and providing the rights to civil liberties, and urging the congress to amend certain questionable provisions of the said law.
The resolution filed by Castelo lamented the imprecise and poorly composed ATL specially its vague definition and the unconstitutional warrantless arrest.
Castelo also stated the “chilling effect” of the provisions in the law could easily be abused and wielded against ordinary citizen who dare complain about the government.
He also said that the RA 11479 can be seen as a tool of repression rather than thwarting terrorism, and ensuring national security should never be at the expense of the fundamental rights and freedom as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution.
“It is in our belief that democracy, freedom of speech, the right to organize and association is indispensable and must be protected at all times. We call on to our fellow public officials to rally behind the clamour of the people to protect the foundations of democracy.”
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) QC welcomed the said resolution.
BAYAN QC spokesperson Boying Samonte said on Friday that the local bill is urgent and timely at the same time.
“Currently, every sector in the city is rallying to oppose the said terror law. There are 19 petitions filed at the Supreme Court opposing the ‘terror law’ and thousands of people will protest during the President’s State of the Nation calling for the abolition of this repressive law,” said Samonte.
Samonte also reiterated that since most of the city’s population is in dire need of financial and medical aid, protests were recorded from different parts of the City ever since the lockdown started.
“Instead of providing what is truly needed, the national government is busy suppressing the people by these types of anti-people policies,” added Samonte.
QC Mayor Josefina “Joy” Belmonte also revealed that she is uncomfortable with the law during an interview this week.
Belmonte, in an interview with ANC, disclosed that while she is in favor of a law to fight terrorism, she did not favor the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Law in its present form.
“There were certain provisions that I was not comfortable with. I believe this is a vote of conscience. What if this is my son who was detained for x number of days for a mere suspicion? I would be very uncomfortable with that,” Belmonte said.
This stance, she made known in a survey done on all mayors in the country.
“There was an informal survey because it was a legislative measure, and we [mayors] are implementors…with regards to this particular legislation, we were asked on what our stand would be. I don’t know why [we were asked]. I did say I am in favor of an anti-terrorism law, but in the form that was presented to us, I was not in favor of that form,” she said.
Belmonte was also asked if it was true she is the only mayor in Metro Manila who said no to the ‘terror law’, but Belmonte said she could not answer as to how other mayors voted.
