Filipino American students and organizations across America are coming together to show their disapproval of the Anti-Terror Law, which was signed by Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on July 3.
Kabataan Alliance, a Filipino youth and student organization, claims the Philippine Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 “amends the 2007 Human Security Act by expanding the definition of terrorism and who is considered to be a ‘terrorist.'”
The bill was signed after several controversial events such as the arrest of Fil Am journalist Maria Ressa and the shut down of ABS-CBN. These Fil Am groups believe this law will restrict the freedom of those in the Philippines and violate their human rights.
Kabataan Alliance issued a statement after the bills passage, “As [Fil Am] youth, we are a product of migration that is a result of the socioeconomic and political strife in the Philippines via colonization and U.S. interference; as people in the U.S., we have a role to play and direct responsibility to the issues in the Philippines.”
Duterte told the Philippines in a pre-taped address, “For the law-abiding citizen of this country, I am addressing you with sincerity, do not be afraid if you are not a terrorist,” reports Foreign Policy.
However, Fil Am youth groups feel the need to speak up for those in the Philippines, and they’re rounding up supporters of all ethnicities.
The movement against the Anti-Terror law was coined the term “junk terror bill.” Fil Ams and non-Filipino communities are now joining the movement on social media by reposting and spreading petitions through Twitter and Instagram, using hashtags like #junkterrorbill and #oustduterte.
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