We Filipinos are all too familiar with the terror caused by our own government. On July 3, 2020, on the endorsement of President Rodrigo Duterte, lawmakers passed the highly contentious anti-terror law despite strong opposition from vulnerable sectors already suffering from the devastating effects of the pandemic and natural calamities.

The vagueness of the law, such as what it considers as “terrorist acts” and made worse by the government’s poor track record and blatant disregard for human rights, demonstrates – in classic Marcosian fashion – an attempt to further silence dissenters in the guise of combating terrorism.

Immediately after the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 came into force, red-tagging of progressive groups and grassroots rights defenders escalated, leading to the killing of a number of activists by unknown assailants. In an unprecedented show of solidarity and collective condemnation of all this, various groups and individuals have filed at least 37 petitions with the Supreme Court assailing the law.

A year has passed since then, and we have witnessed worsening human rights conditions among numerous sectors, particularly the indigenous people, the youth, and the poor. Government’s response has been to attack and demonize the people’s appeals for effective governance, transparency, and respect for human rights.

Indeed, the Anti-Terrorism Act creates a chilling effect on dissent, which has been the fuel of democracy in this country.

The Anti-Terrorism Act is also an affront to environmental and social activists who toiled and fought to stop harmful laws and detrimental corporate practices. Our victories and progress in health and livelihood, as well as our right to a green and just future, were made possible by the people who stood up, spoke out, and worked together in peaceful action towards eradicating injustice.

The #CourageON: No Lockdown on Rights coalition was formed to push for the protection of the Filipino people’s basic rights. It stands to promote a democratic and progressive participation in public policy-making and people-centered governance. Our advocacy requires an enabling environment for free expression, open debate, criticism and realistic discussion of issues.

Thus, we are compelled to protect the remaining spaces for our engagement. We will not cower in fear, even in the face of blatant persecution. We continue to oppose this unjust law through all legal means. As we witness that the first victims of the law were our Aeta brothers from Zambales, and red-tagged activist individuals and groups, we shall not falter in our call to revoke the Anti-Terrorism Act and its consequences: arbitrary arrests, torture, involuntary disappearance, and extrajudicial killings.

We ask that the Supreme Court, one of the nation’s last bastions of democracy, rule to junk this law that has harmed the marginalized. Never again will we allow the Philippines to plunge into the dark days of pseudo-democracies that threaten us as a nation.

We call on fellow Filipinos to continue to report human rights violations and attacks against government critics.

We call on the public to stay vigilant and hold the armed services, the judiciary, and local executives to account especially in these turbulent times.

History is a witness to the Filipino pursuit of genuine democracy—and when we are called, we stand firm and relentless in defending it. #CourageON

Signatories:

DLSU USG

Move.PH

2030 Youth Force in the Philippines Inc.

Akbayan Youth

ASEAN SOGIE Caucus

Ateneo Human Rights Center

Bahaghari

BALAOD Mindanaw

Coalition for People’s Right to Health

College Editors Guild of the Philippines

Concerned Artists of the Philippines

DAKILA

GANDA Filipinas

Greenpeace Philippines

Human Rights Youth Action Network

In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement

Kalikasan

Karapatan

LILAK (Purple Action for Indigenous Women’s Rights)

Metro Manila Pride

National Union of Students of the Philippines

Rainbow Rights Philippines

Save San Roque

UP Paralegal Volunteers’ Organization

We The Future PH