President Duterte just signed the feared anti-terror law, days after the Hong Kong security law was passed. I wrote this piece yesterday. An expert told me the concerns of Filipinos comparing the law to HK's are "absolutely" valid. https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/4aynyp/after-hong-kong-could-the-philippines-be-the-next-to-see-a-law-against-government-critics #antiterrorbill

From the story: "In both timing and content, the HK security law and Duterte’s anti-terror bill present a clear & present danger to democratic forces." #antiterrorbill #JunkTerrorBill #Duterte

Richard Heydarian, political scientist: "Through their perilously vague definition of ‘subversion’ and ‘terrorism,’ these draconian legislations provide, especially under persisting lockdowns, maximum leeway for autocratic consolidation." #antiterror #JunkTerrorBill #Duterte

. @Richeydarian also said: "If anything, it seems what we are also witnessing is an ‘authoritarian learning,’ as despots across the region pick from each other’s anti-democratic playbook." Link to the full story is on this thread. #JunkTerrorLaw