Artists rally against Philippine anti-terrorism bill as fears for free speech, human rights increase
- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s bill provides law enforcers with much broader powers, which many believe will be a threat to dissent and democracy
- Those against the law’s implementation say it will ‘target all opposition’ to Duterte’s government, and that activism is not terrorism
Cartoonist and illustrator Renan Ortiz is one of many Filipino artists to have picked up a pen, pencil or paintbrush in defence of journalist Maria Ressa, who was convicted of “cyber libel” in June and could face a prison term.
Ortiz drew a cartoon of Ressa holding a “Defend Press Freedom” poster, and uploaded it to his Instagram account.
Ortiz says the Duterte government uses a range of tactics against journalists and outspoken artists, including killing them, harassment, and using “black propaganda” to defame them.
“We all know the bill will not target terrorists. It will target all opposition,” Ortiz says. “It will act as a final sweep, the clean-up, the red carpet for the Duterte dictatorship.”
Supporters of the bill point to violent attacks that have rocked the nation in recent months. They insist the Philippines’ 2007 Human Security Act is too restrictive and hinders the government’s ability to effectively combat terrorists and their supporters. Duterte has flagged the anti-terror bill as “urgent”.
