Bulatlat - The Philippines's alternative weekly magazine

Bu-lat-lat (boo-lat-lat) verb: to search, probe, investigate, inquire; to unearth facts

Vol. VII, No. 2 Feb 11 - 17, 2007 Quezon City, Philippines

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SALUNGGUHIT

By Flon Faurillo / Bulatlat

Far from Dead

The Anti-Terrorism Bill is far from dead and could still be revived by those who wish to terrorize the people. Government spokespersons claim the Philippines needs such a law. But with the way “terrorism” is defined in the bill, the actual targets of the measure are not the real terrorists but those who oppose the administration – cause-oriented organizations, progressive party-list groups, and opposition politicians. If Congress had succeeded in passing the bill before adjourning last Feb. 9, it would have been a powerful repressive weapon that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo could use against her political opponents in the run–up to the May 2007 elections. It remains important to keep watch, however, as administration congressmen insist the bill can still be ratified in a special session called by President Arroyo on Feb. 19 or in June when Congress resumes session.

Salungguhit literally means to underline; figuratively, to underscore or highlight.

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