President Rodrigo Duterte’s signing into law the “Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020” further stifles dissent, imposes prior restraint to freedom of expression, derogates civil liberties, and institutes state terrorism.

The new anti-terror law repeals the less repressive “Human Security Act of 2007” which provided for safeguards for fundamental freedoms.

These safeguards were all obliterated by the “Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020” and replaced with motherhood declarations which are orphaned by oppressive provisions.

The new law installs national security to a high pedestal while it demotes civil liberties to a lowly footstool.

EDCEL C. LAGMAN