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by a non-filipino for non-filipinos: answering frequently asked questions and outlining what we can do about the so-called "terror bill"
(thanks to @pouringshappy for the first two resources and twitter for many more; please lmk if anything here is incorrect!)
by a non-filipino for non-filipinos: answering frequently asked questions and outlining what we can do about the so-called "terror bill"
(thanks to @pouringshappy for the first two resources and twitter for many more; please lmk if anything here is incorrect!)
1) what is the terror bill?
the "terror bill", formally the Anti-Terrorism bill, which was passed today, effectively restricts filipino citizens' freedom of speech and essentially criminalizes anti-government statements, making them punishable by law. https://twitter.com/prodjimi/status/1266356196358983680?s=20
the "terror bill", formally the Anti-Terrorism bill, which was passed today, effectively restricts filipino citizens' freedom of speech and essentially criminalizes anti-government statements, making them punishable by law. https://twitter.com/prodjimi/status/1266356196358983680?s=20
2) why is it such a dangerous thing?
the issue lies in the fact that that anti-government speech is "criminalized". this means it gives police and legal forces the power to exact punishment on people as they see fit, a power easily abused. https://twitter.com/PhilstarNews/status/1278991107502702592?s=20
the issue lies in the fact that that anti-government speech is "criminalized". this means it gives police and legal forces the power to exact punishment on people as they see fit, a power easily abused. https://twitter.com/PhilstarNews/status/1278991107502702592?s=20
2) (cont.)
according to this bill, suspicion is enough cause for surveillance and people can be detained w/o knowing what they did wrong. this action is "ex parte", meaning subjects under surveillance cannot defend themselves. this is why many filo people are going priv on sns.
according to this bill, suspicion is enough cause for surveillance and people can be detained w/o knowing what they did wrong. this action is "ex parte", meaning subjects under surveillance cannot defend themselves. this is why many filo people are going priv on sns.
3) but would they really do that? is that really possible? are there any examples/what's happened so far?
yes! before this bill was enacted, we saw the beginnings of tightened restrictions - closing of major media outlets and convictions of journalists. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/14/business/maria-ressa-verdict-philippines-rappler.html
yes! before this bill was enacted, we saw the beginnings of tightened restrictions - closing of major media outlets and convictions of journalists. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/14/business/maria-ressa-verdict-philippines-rappler.html
4) can we sign petitions to help?
well, you can, but ultimately what i've been hearing is that they're worthless because the filipino government does not look at them. https://twitter.com/SUNFLOWERHABlT/status/1279019613481627652?s=20
well, you can, but ultimately what i've been hearing is that they're worthless because the filipino government does not look at them. https://twitter.com/SUNFLOWERHABlT/status/1279019613481627652?s=20
5) so, what can we do now?
as mentioned in the tweet embedded in 4), an "email protest" is being staged. essentially, copy paste all the following in this document and send it off to the government in hopes that they'll look at it, even if not petitions. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pfhOv1vBMlMReCEcQIGuk36_JBUCArDddZb4PRHDX_g/edit
as mentioned in the tweet embedded in 4), an "email protest" is being staged. essentially, copy paste all the following in this document and send it off to the government in hopes that they'll look at it, even if not petitions. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pfhOv1vBMlMReCEcQIGuk36_JBUCArDddZb4PRHDX_g/edit
6) why is it so important that non-filipino people help in this "email protest" if it "doesn't concern us"?
well, a) any humanitarian crisis should concern you but b) because we don't have to go through cybersecurity protections when sending these emails as we are not filo +
well, a) any humanitarian crisis should concern you but b) because we don't have to go through cybersecurity protections when sending these emails as we are not filo +
6) (cont.)
+ citizens and thus if something really does happen and email senders are convicted under this bill, we cannot be. however, our filo friends can, and that is why it is so so important we help in this email protest because we have freedom and protection.
+ citizens and thus if something really does happen and email senders are convicted under this bill, we cannot be. however, our filo friends can, and that is why it is so so important we help in this email protest because we have freedom and protection.
7) more resources?
this carrd has been circulating for a while. it's regularly updated and also contains a link to join a telegram channel with updates and explanations about the terror bill, where i found much of the legal terminology cited here. https://junkterrorbill.carrd.co/
this carrd has been circulating for a while. it's regularly updated and also contains a link to join a telegram channel with updates and explanations about the terror bill, where i found much of the legal terminology cited here. https://junkterrorbill.carrd.co/
8) further questions?
drop them below this thread and i will do my best to research or ask someone who is more knowledgeable! i will try to update this thread with any information that i find.
drop them below this thread and i will do my best to research or ask someone who is more knowledgeable! i will try to update this thread with any information that i find.
i hope this thread makes sense and that i've encouraged you to open the inboxes. it's imperative that we non-filipinos use our safety and our protection to help our filipino friends who don't have that privilege. @ filo oomfs, i love you and please prioritize your safety, always.
