The final approval of the Anti-Terror Bill (which now only needs President Duterte’s signature) last night, Jun. 3, has caused many to mobilize online and even prompted progressive groups and partylists to organize physical rallies despite the risks of the pandemic.
On. Jun. 3, various groups including Kabataan, ACT Teachers Partylist, Gabriela Women’s Party, National Council of Churches in the Philippines, the National Union of Students of the Philippines and College Editors Guild of the Philippines staged a protest against the bill outside the House of Representative gates.
(1/4) LOOK: Progressive groups stage a protest and noise barrage outside the House of Representatives on Wednesday, June 3 to demand the scrapping of the anti-terrorism bill which Congress approved in its 2nd reading on Tuesday. 📸 by Grig C. Montegrande/Philippine Daily Inquirer pic.twitter.com/nwboKxneLN
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) June 3, 2020
On the same day, some youth groups also went to protest at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman. At the rally, several human rights workers and groups expressed their objection to the bill as it may be used by state forces against critics and opposition leaders.
Today, Jun. 4, mobilizations have been organized to continue the protest against President Duterte’s final approval on the bill. If you do decide to join the rallies, please remember to wear face masks and practice social distancing. If you’re not feeling well or you’re immunocompromised (or live with people who are), please don’t force yourself to go. We are still in the middle of a pandemic.
Junk Terror Bill! Indignation Rally
Several mass organizations announced an indignation rally that will take place in UP Diliman University Avenue today at 2 pm. Among these organizations include Kabataan, Anakbayan, Kadamay and Movement Against Tyranny.
Huwag manahimik. Magpahayag ng galit.
Takits bukas sa UP Diliman University Avenue, 2 pm onwards!#JunkTerrorBill#FightTyranny pic.twitter.com/QwneodYgx8
— Kabataan Partylist (@KabataanPL) June 3, 2020
Black Friday Protest
For Cebuanos, there will be a Black Friday protest tomorrow, Jun. 5 at 10 a.m. in front of UP Cebu. This was announced by the College of Editors Guild Philippines – Cebu.
As state terrorism continues to be emboldened through the law, it becomes duty to struggle for life, liberty, and justice.
Join the Black Friday Protest this June 5, 2020 at 10 am in front of UP Cebu.
WEAR BLACK!#JunkTerrorBill#FightTyranny pic.twitter.com/cuTl4p2Ijp
— CEGP Cebu (@CEGPCebu) June 4, 2020
#DefendSouthernTagalog
Earlier this morning, Jun. 4, the youth of Los Baños organized and held a rally at UP Los Baños.
TIGNAN: Kasalukuyang naglulunsad ng indignation rally ang mga kabataan ng UPLB upang kundenahin ang pagpasa ng Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 sa ikatlo at huling pagbasa nito sa Kongreso.#JUNKTERRORBILLNOW#DefendSouthernTagalog pic.twitter.com/1GRQt474Zz
— Anakbayan UP Los Baños (@AnakbayanUPLB_) June 4, 2020
Junk Terror Bill Online Rally
If you can not physically attend the protest, you can still show your support through donating to organizations and joining movements online like the Anti-Terror Bill email protests. Organizations from Manila to Surigao City have also been hosting live video conference rallies, online candle lightings and other social media protests.
Photo by Grig C. Montegrande for Philippine Daily Inquirer
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