"TUCP asks Congress to reject anti-terrorism bill", 03 Jun 2020

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines has called on Congress to reject the anti-terrorism bill. The group said the most effective measure against terrorism is the efficient, graft-free, and fair delivery of government services to the public and addressing hunger and poverty. “We already have the 4Ps law, the Universal Health Care law, and the Free Tuition law,” said TUCP in a statement... The group said if these measures are implemented well, along with reforms in the public healthcare system, a fiscal stimulus package that focuses on saving jobs, hastening the rebuilding of Marawi, and... nationwide railways construction program...are the key strategies to stamp out terrorism. “Terrorism is rooted in poverty, injustice and the lack of, or discriminatory government services. Using draconian measures will not stop terrorism,” said TUCP. “We have been on this path several times in the past and history has shown us, it is not the way to win against terrorism...” On Monday, June 1, President Duterte has certified as urgent House Bill No. 6875 which amends... the Human Security Act of 2007. He said this is “to address the urgent need to strengthen the law on anti-terrorism in order to adequately and effectively contain the menace of terrorist acts for the preservation of national security and the promotion of general welfare.”