Tuesday, August 21, 2007 New organization formed to call for repeal of anti-terrorism law
LAWYERS, youths, and religious groups are calling on lawmakers to repeal the Human Security Act of 2007 or the anti-terrorism law because “its vague provisions are steps toward another martial law.”
Representatives of the different sectors organized themselves into the Movement for Protection of People’s Rights (MPPR). They launched the movement yesterday in a news conference.
Lawyer Kit Enriquez, MPPR spokesperson, said the movement is “a multisectoral group composed of members with different religious beliefs but with the same goal-to fight for human rights.”
Lawyer Poch Cinco said the new law raises the possibility of abuse because the government can do things people can no longer question, for such act has vague provisions in the law.
Religious leader Ustadz Najeeb Razul said the act is a complete duplication of the country’s existing laws, which he describes as oppressive to Muslims.
Campaign
After evaluation and planning, MPPR will hold a signature campaign against the new in various institutions such as schools.
Former Cebu City mayor Alvin Garcia, who attended the news conference, told reporters that he is willing to sign a petition to be sent to the House, to repeal the security act.
“I will lend my support. But I am not against the law per se. I think there should be balance. The basic rights of man should be safeguarded,” said Garcia, also a lawyer.
Commenting on the robbery at La Nueva Supermarket last week, he said criminal elements are “getting bolder and closer to the city’s seat of power.”
“Peace and order has disintegrated. They are not just police work. A more just and human society with many job opportunities can help solve (these problems),” Garcia said.
He advised Mayor Tomas Osmeńa to stop alarming people of another robbery but rather “be good to the people and invest in intelligence to stop another robbery attack.”
Garcia suggested pushing through with the Ciudad project because it will translate into 10,000 to 20,000 jobs for Cebu City.
“A genuine dialogue with the Provincial Government is also advantageous for everyone. We are not rivals here. It’s a shame if we can’t get our acts together,” he said. (NRC)
