Human Rights Amidst a Pandemic by Kate Montero As the battle towards the increasing number of COVID-19 cases intensifies, lawmakers rush into the passing of a bill that not only threatens our freedom of expression but also endangers the country’s health security. Last July 4, 2020, eleven protestors in Laguna were forcibly arrested by the police who, according to a news article by Aika Rey on Rappler, was dragged to the police station with no warrants of arrest and not even a known violation. This is a firm example of how the Anti-Terrorism Law will be enacted once its effectivity takes in. Mass gatherings such as protests or rallies will then be criminalized as they appear to be both a threat to commit terrorism and a threat to public health which in any way does not equate to the violation committed in the mañanita for NCRPO chief Debold Sinas where social distancing was not practiced. Many fear of the law is prone to abuse as its vague definition of terrorism and like concepts impinges on people’s right to speak. Untimely for we are in a situation where voicing out our concerns, more importantly with public health, is a need. From the lack of medical facilities to accommodate the increasing number of COVID-19 patients to the anomalies with the misuse of funds, passing a law that hinders the people to cry for their needs is not what our government should focus on right now. Amidst a pandemic, it should be the responsibility of the government to provide for its people and only this will be acted on properly if they listen to their people’s grievance. We as a democratic country should strengthen our voice to call out our government’s imperfections by actively engaging with social issues. The first step in doing this is being aware of our rights and demanding that they be protected by the law. In the case of the Anti-Terrorism Law which threatens our civil and political liberties, we should create a policy that will protect the suspected terrorists as well as penalizing law enforcers that will violate their human rights. Saving human rights means saving human lives and we should not be afraid to go against the government for demanding a life that we deserve. References: Losa, R. (2020, June 22). PNP condemns protesting to protect the public's health. Retrieved October 13, 2020, from https://www.scoutmag.ph/news/pnp-condemns-protesting-to-protectthe-publics-health-roginl-20200605 Rey, A. (2020, July 07). Cops arrest 11 at anti-terrorism law rally in Laguna. Retrieved October 13, 2020, from https://www.rappler.com/nation/arrested-anti-terrorism-law-protestlaguna
