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.
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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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