On February 2, 2021, the Supreme Court will hold oral arguments on the petition against the Anti- Terrorism Law (ATL) of 2020. With a total of 37 petitions against the said law. It is considered as the most contested and highly divisive law since the Cybercrime Prevention Act. Petitioners composed mainly of lawyers and their alternatives will argue against certain provisions of ATL specially Section 4 which expanded the definition of “terrorism”. The Petitioners claim that the definition of terrorism in Section 4 makes it easy to the government to penalize any form of dissent, putting activities, including union leaders at most risk.
In the midst of health crisis and worsening socio- economic problems, the government should instead focus on prioritizing quality, safe, and effective mass vaccination to the populace. The Philippines are way behind Asian countries in implementing mass vaccination. The economic impact of COVID-19 has affected millions of workers in the country. Just recently, the country experienced an 8.3% contraction in gross domestic product (GDP) in the 4th quarter of 2020 and even worse -9.5% for the whole year of 2020, the largest drop in government data going to 1946. Prices of basic commodities particularly meat and vegetables skyrocketed in the past week s making it all the more difficult for poor families to buy their basic needs.CWS believes that the ATL will only aggravate the social and economic suffering of the Filipino people. Recent incidents’ of red-tagging by government agents against church and health workers in Negros resulted to the killings. Last week, death treats sent via text messages were sent to union leaders and prominent activist in Cebu. The perpetuators of this killings, threats, intimidations and harassment are emboldened to continue their criminal acts because of ATL.
We invite church people- religious, priests, bishops and lay workers to gather in prayer in their respective communities during this historic day. Let us join hands in prayer for our magistrates in the Supreme Court that GOD may enlighten their hearts and minds to heed the voice of the people, defend the truth, and junk the dreaded terror bill.
Signed:
