"Neither Law nor Force shall trample the Folk!"
(A message regarding the recent signing of the Anti-Terrorism Act)
At first, this writer, like others concerned, strongly expressed opposition against the passage of the Anti-Terrorism act signed by Rodrigo Duterte earlier.
For despite its vaguely description of terrorism, to the provisions which contradicts the constitution, this law, which many legal experts, human rights advocates, and concerned masses alike, find worry as the Duterte regime has wanting to unleash a greater reign of terror in the name of "peace and order".
It is not surprising, especially that in this time of pandemic caused by COVID19, that the regime rather thinks about self-preservation than those of providing adequate and immediate care to its constituents, as the law created a "new normal" that's based on fear, emboldening state forces to commit worse acts and human rights violations- pointing against vocal critics, advocates of civil rights, and promoters of pro-people reforms. This law also exposes the regime being paranoid, inept, and selfish kind of administration that like those of its predecessors trying to upheld an ever-rotting system that exploits the folk.
This misplaced priority is manifested in many ways even prior to this newly-signed act. Be it the massive deployment of state forces during the "community quarantine", or the threat of declaring martial rule, the order doesn't matter about "flattening the curve" especially through mass testing and sufficient care of the affected, but instead taking advantage of restrictions, ganging up on opposition, and to push through an orderist agenda-a "new normal" that benefits Duterte's camarilla and allies.
But despite this passage, the people cannot be cowered and silenced. Regardless of the risks as shown by the provisions of the act, the growing number of concerned citizens continues to seek truth from facts, exposing the bullshitry, and opposing the measures this order, through the Duterte administration trying to push through. For sure Duterte, in his past statement during the State of the Nation Address talks about "human lives" over "human rights", but does silencing dissent and curtailing civil rights also meant defending human lives?
Again the concerned will ever remain vigilant regardless of the risks- for this fear-based normalcy rather worsen this clear and present situation.
For Neither Law nor Force that's brought by the order shall trample the folk.