Saturday, February 10, 2007
Partylist group equates anti-terror bill with No-el
By Grace L. Plata
A PARTYLIST group here contends that the passage of the Anti-Terror Bill into law is intended to stop the elections.
Suara Spokesperson Hermin Arendain said that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is hurrying the passage of the anti-terror bill because she would use the protests against the issue to justify a declaration of martial law or another state of emergency.
"Elections will be scuttled if there will be a clamor for the immediate passage of the bill because Arroyo will definitely declare a state of emergency that will lead to no elections," Arendain said on the sidelines of their rally at the Mini-Forest Gym here Friday.
Arroyo allegedly aims to remain in power but that would be prevented if the elections were held, Arendain added.
"Arroyo doesn't want the elections to push through because if more opposition candidates win she will not be able to finish her term in 2010 because this new majority will work for her impeachment," he said.
Suara, in a written statement, said that the passage of anti-terror bill is not a solution to terrorism but a move that would curtail democracy in the country.
The group said the bill does not carry a specific definition of terrorism or of those who will be considered terrorists, thus there is a possibility that even the legitimate redress of grievances or protest against government policies may be considered as terrorism.
Even the media, they say, may be accused of being terrorist sympathizers.
Arendain said the Moro people are the ones who will be greatly affected by the passage of the anti-terror bill as it is usually the they who are accused of being terrorists and it will be easier for military elements to just pick up anyone suspected to be aterrorist.
Arendain added that his group will discuss possible measures to reverse the Senate decision and in the meantime continually stage protests until the government addresses the matter.For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Zamboanga. For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (February 10, 2007 issue)
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