Five Years After Anti-Terrorism Act
MANILA, Philippines — The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 has failed to deliver on its promise to effectively combat terrorism, local legal experts said five years after its enactment. The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 was intended to strengthen the fight against terrorism, but critics argue it has largely been misused.
Edre Olalia, chair of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL), told sources that the law has not achieved its goal of targeting genuine terrorists. Instead, it has become a tool for political repression, especially against activists.
Questionable Use of the Law
Human rights group Karapatan reports that 227 individuals have been charged under the law, while 34 have been officially labeled as terrorists by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC). These figures raise concerns about the law’s application, especially when many cases involve activists and political opponents.
Olalia pointed out that aside from high-profile cases like that of former Negros Oriental Congressman Arnolfo Teves, suspected in the assassination of a former governor, there is little credible evidence linking many accused individuals to terrorism. Teves is one of 13 individuals designated as terrorists by the ATC.
Activists Targeted Under Anti-Terrorism Act
According to Olalia, the law is often wielded against activists, particularly in rural areas. Authorities reportedly rely on questionable witnesses and allegations that link these individuals to armed groups like the New People’s Army. This pattern suggests the law is used more for silencing dissent than for genuine counterterrorism.
The Anti-Terrorism Act was signed on July 3, 2020, during the Duterte administration. It faced strong opposition from rights advocates, indigenous groups, and civil society organizations concerned about its vague definitions and broad powers. NUPL even filed a petition before the Supreme Court challenging the law’s constitutionality on behalf of activist groups.
Ongoing Warnings and Calls for Review
Olalia emphasized the dangers posed by the law. “We view this really as a very dangerous law, as proven,” he said. He urged the public to recognize the law’s harmful effects, which have become more apparent over the past five years.
As the law marks its fifth anniversary, calls for review and reform continue to grow. Human rights organizations and legal experts stress the need to protect freedoms while ensuring genuine threats to peace and security are addressed appropriately.
For more news and updates on the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, visit Filipinokami.com.