(From left) Darren Criss, Bretman Roc and Manila Luzon (Image: Instagram/@darrencriss, @bretmanrock, @manilaluzon)
As more and more local stars rally against the government’s attempt to toughen up its anti-terrorism measures through the anti-terror bill, international celebrities have also joined the online protests to junk it.
The House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 6875 on its final reading last Wednesday, June 3. It is now only awaiting President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature for it to become a law. Various entities including the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the United Nations (UN) have expressed their concern regarding the bill, especially its broad and vague definition of who can be tagged as a terrorist.
The bill will penalize anyone who will propose, incite, conspire on and facilitate terroristic acts. A suspect could also be detained without a warrant of arrest for at least 14 days.
Local celebrities have utilized their platform to take a stand on the issue, and even international artists have followed suit.
Filipino-American Holywood actor Darren Criss reposted an infographic about the anti-terror bill via Twitter yesterday, June 4.
“And sadly, meanwhile, in other parts of the world, injustice continues to thrive off the slippery rhetoric of peace maintenance… aka preying on the fears of the voting majority,” Criss said.
He also attached a website where people could be updated about the bill, participate in donation drives and sign an online petition against it.
And sadly, meanwhile, in other parts of the world, injustice continues to thrive off the slippery rhetoric of peace maintenance… aka preying on the fears of the voting majority… https://t.co/eyIaboWZ7q https://t.co/kwGrp8EJbD
— Darren Criss (@DarrenCriss) June 3, 2020
“‘Anti-Terrorism’ may sound promising but that title does not include the idea that it maximizes criminality for ANYONE who shows any kind of civil opposition- without a warrant, not to mention enforces totalitarian surveillance to uphold said insanity,” Criss added. “I’d be in jail by now.”
"Anti-Terrorism" may sound promising but that title does not include the idea that it maximizes criminality for ANYONE who shows any kind of civil opposition- without a warrant, not to mention enforces totalitarian surveillance to uphold said insanity. I'd be in jail by now.
— Darren Criss (@DarrenCriss) June 3, 2020
Filipino-American vlogger and beauty guru Bretman Rock, whose real name is Bretman Sacayanan, also talked about the anti-terror bill on social media.
Rock was apparently messaged by his Filipino fans to spread awareness on the issue, a certain @warysanchhh posted a snippet of his statement on her Twitter page yesterday.
The influencer said that the bill “takes away basic human rights.” Rock added that he is still learning more about the topic and urged his fans to learn about it themselves.
this is how u use ur influence bitch!!!! and that’s on what???? #JUNKTERRORBILLNOW
ily @bretmanrock !!!!!! pic.twitter.com/c85ofmvLjk
— wary (@warysanchhh) June 4, 2020
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” queens Manila Luzon and Aquaria also used the hashtag #JunkTerrorBill on their respective Twitter accounts.
#JunkTerrorBill #JUNKTERRORBILLNOW https://t.co/fo8phprviV
— Aquaria 🤌🏼 (@aquariaofficial) June 4, 2020
“Protect Freedom in the Philippines,” Luzon said, retweeting Aquaria’s post.
Protect Freedom in the Philippines ❤️🇵🇭#JunkTerrorBill https://t.co/vcqcILR3Qv
— Manila Luzon (@manilaluzon) June 4, 2020
Despite previously marking the bill as “urgent,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said yesterday that it does not mean Duterte will immediately sign it into law. According to Roque, the anti-terror bill will still be reviewed by the President if it is compliant with the Constitution. /ra
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