(ARTICLE 19/CMFR/IFEX) – The following is a joint ARTICLE 19, CMFR and FORUM-ASIA press release: PHILIPPINE ANTI-TERRORISM BILLS THREATEN FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION ARTICLE 19, FORUM-ASIA and the Center for the Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) call on the Philippine Congress to critically review three anti-terrorism bills currently under consideration. The three organisations are concerned that […]
(ARTICLE 19/CMFR/IFEX) – The following is a joint ARTICLE 19, CMFR and FORUM-ASIA press release:
PHILIPPINE ANTI-TERRORISM BILLS THREATEN FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
ARTICLE 19, FORUM-ASIA and the Center for the Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) call on the Philippine Congress to critically review three anti-terrorism bills currently under consideration. The three organisations are concerned that an anti-terrorism law based on these bills will unduly restrict freedom of expression. The excessively broad definitions of terrorism, new powers to intercept and monitor communications, and wide powers to deport suspected terrorists are of particular concern.
Three anti-terrorism bills have recently been submitted to the Philippines Senate and House of Representatives for their consideration. An analysis of the bills by ARTICLE 19 raises a number of concerns. All three define terrorism in an extremely wide and often vague manner. As a result, they are open to abuse, particularly given that the definitions encompass not only actual acts of terrorism but also threats of action. There is, in particular, a danger that the law could be used to stifle criticism coming from unpopular or “troublesome” political groups.
We are also concerned about the wide powers these bills give to the authorities to intercept and monitor communications, including those transmitted electronically. Such powers have a chilling effect on freedom of expression, discouraging the free exchange of information and ideas. To prevent abuse of such powers, we recommend, at a minimum, that an oversight mechanism and appeals tribunal be established.
One of the bills, House Bill 4980, is of particular concern inasmuch as it throws a veil of secrecy over the work of the Anti-Money Laundering Council, prohibiting employees from even communicating to the media the fact that a report has been made.
ARTICLE 19, FORUM-ASIA, and CMFR recognise the need to combat terrorism, but at the same time we believe that this can be done without undermining freedom of expression and freedom of the press. We call on the Philippines Congress to review these three bills very carefully in order to ensure that any anti-terrorism act that is adopted is in accordance with international and constitutional standards of respect for freedom of expression.
A copy of our analysis can be found on the ARTICLE 19 website, at: http://www.article19.org/docimages/1424.htm
