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GMA Network
a day ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Makabayan solons push for repeal of Anti-Terror law
"It has only served to justify attacks against ordinary Filipinos and those who champion their rights. We must repeal this law to protect our fundamental freedoms,' ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Tino said. (Photo from ACT Teachers Party-list FB post) A bill repealing the Anti-Terrorism law, a 2020 measure which allows detention of terrorism suspects for as long as 24 days without a warrant, has been filed in the House of Representatives. Party-list Reps. Antonio Tinio of ACT Teachers and Renee Louise Co of Kabataan sought the repeal, which they branded as 'Terror Law,' under their House Bill 1272. 'The chilling effect of this law has undermined the work of human rights defenders, journalists, teachers, students, and grassroots organizers. The Terror Law has no place in a society that values democracy and human rights," the lawmakers said. "It has only served to justify attacks against ordinary Filipinos and those who champion their rights. We must repeal this law to protect our fundamental freedoms,' Tinio added. Under the Anti-Terror law, terrorism is committed by any person who, within or outside the Philippines, regardless of the stage of execution, engages in acts intended to cause death or serious bodily injury to any person, or endangers a person's life; engages in acts intended to cause extensive damage or destruction to government or public facility, public place or private property; or engages in acts intended to cause extensive interference with, damage or destruction to critical infrastructure. The opposition lawmakers said that such a broad definition of terrorism allows state forces to arbitrarily tag individuals and organizations as terrorists based on mere intent or suspicion. They said the state's duty to ensure peace and security must never come at the expense of people's rights and freedoms. They cited the case of Japer Gurung and Junior Ramos, the Aeta farmers who were freed after the court junked terrorism charges against them due to insufficient evidence. 'The true path to peace and justice lies not in repression, but in addressing the roots of poverty, inequality, and social unrest. We call on our colleagues in Congress to support the immediate repeal of the Terror Law,' they added.—LDF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Makabayan bloc refiled anti-political dynasty bill
A bill seeking to define and prohibit political dynasties in the country has been filed in the House of Representatives. Under House Bill 209 filed by ACT Teachers Party-list Representative Antonio Tinio and Kabataan Party-list Representative, a political dynasty is defined as a family or clan that concentrates, consolidates, or perpetuates their political power by holding public office simultaneously or successively. The bill states that no person shall hold or run for any elective national or local office simultaneously with another within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity, whether legitimate or illegitimate, full or half blood. It adds that no person within the prohibited civil degree of relationship to an incumbent elected official shall immediately succeed to the position of the latter. Under the bill, any person running for any elective public office shall file a sworn statement with the Commission on Elections stating that they do not fall under the prohibition. It states the Comelec, motu proprio or upon verified petition, shall disqualify the candidates found violating the Act and their votes, if any, shall not be counted. The violator shall not be proclaimed and allowed to assume office.—Tina Panganiban-Perez/AOL, GMA Integrated News
