"Citing danger to organized labor, trade unionists join legal fight vs Anti-Terrorism Law", 9 July 2020

Trade unionists assailed the constitutionality of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 before the Supreme Court, citing the danger the law poses on labor rights defenders.

The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) and Pro-labor Legal Assistance Center filed a Petition for Certiorari against Republic Act 11479. [...]

The labor groups raised concern on how the anti-terrorism law would affect unionists and labor rights defenders, they said on a statement.

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In a statement on their Facebook page, the CTUHR pointed out that the Philippines has consistently been tagged among the most dangerous countries for workers.

In its 2019 Global Rights Index, the International Trade Union Confedation flagged the "violent attacks and intimidation" against workers and trade unionists. It also noted that "protests were brutally repressed by police forces in an attempt by the government forces to suppress political dissent."

"Because of the vague definition of terrorism and the absolute power it gives to state forces, this law can definitely be used against the labor movement," CTUHR wrote.

"Throughout history, unionists and labor rights defenders have been [persecuted] by filing trumped-up charges against them, red-tagging, accusing them of being rebels or terrorists, and other forms of harassment. This law will worsen the struggles of workers in pushing for their rights and demands," they added.

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