TORONTO – Progressive Filipino organizations BAYAN & Migrante will be holding a protest rally at the Philippine Consulate General Office to denounce the recent passing of the controversial “Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020” in the Philippines.
On 3 July 2020, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law the “Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. The enactment of this “anti-terror” law paves the way for a new dark age under the Duterte government in the Philippines. The Act puts a legal imprint, the more legal justification to what is already happening around the country, a de facto martial law. It deals serious blows on fundamental civil and political rights – from warrantless arrests and unlimited detention even with no charges, to state wiretapping and mass surveillance. The Terror Bill only exacerbates the culture of impunity that is already in full force in the country. Persons exercising their democratic right to criticize the government or its policies can be arrested. The government can file a criminal case against a Filipino or foreigner in a Philippine court. The broad and vague definition of terrorism in this Act puts activists in the Filipino community including immigrants and migrant workers, and even Canadian allies in the crosshairs of the Philippine government.
BAYAN-Canada is calling on all Filipinos living in Canada, as well as Canadian allies to stand in solidarity for freedom and democracy in the Philippines, to take a stand and resist tyranny. On July 8, join us as we call on everyone to protest at Philippine Consulates and Embassies.
We will not cower; we will not be silenced: Junk Terror Law! No to Duterte’s dictatorship!
Event:
Wednesday, July 8th, 2020 (4:00 pm start)
160 Eglinton Avenue East. (Redpath and Eglinton Ave E)
MEDIA INTERVIEWS: May be arranged any time
For information and to arrange interviews:
Rhea Gamana, Secretary-General, BAYAN Canada,
Email address: bayancanada2008@gmail.com
Background
- Migrante Canada is an alliance of 19 Filipino migrant organizations in Canada that advocate for the rights and welfare of Filipino migrant workers.
- Bayan Canada is an alliance of progressive Filipino community organizations in Canada that advocate for liberation from foreign domination and for genuine democracy in the Philippines.