Human Rights Online Philippines

On the 48th Anniversary of Martial Law: Women’s Groups Submit 33rd Petition vs. ATL

Manila— Coinciding with the 48th Anniversary of Martial Law, women’s organizations filed the 33rd petition against the Anti-Terror Law in the Supreme Court this afternoon.

The petition gathered more than twenty-seven women petitioners cutting across all sectors of society including feminist and Martial Law survivor Aida Santos, journalist Kara Alikpala and renowned writer Lualhati Bautista.

Organizations who signed on included Pagkakaisa ng Kababaihan para sa Kalayaan (KAISA KA), Women’s Legal and Human Rights Bureau, Dap-Ayan Ti Babbai, KAISA KA Youth, ORYANG, PKKK, SARILAYA, WPL- WOMEN, PANGISDA-Women, YouWin and Action and Solidarity for the Empowerment of Teachers.

Representatives from the Philippine Women’s Network for Peace and Security, Citizen’s Action Against Crime, WOMANHEALTH Phils., LIKHAAN YND Women’s Committee, LAPIS.PH and NAGSSAKA also participated.

According to the petition, ‘the law is an act of State overreach at the expense of fundamental rights. It has the effect of nullifying nullify what should be protected according to the Constitution like free speech, due process, presumption of innocence, right to assembly, right against unreasonable searches and warrantless arrests, and right to bail, among others.’

It describes as ‘cavalier’ the attitude of the law to constitutional liberties in the name of “security”—promoted through fear, engendered by the threat of sanctions’ A contingent of women marchers sent off the petitioners to the gates of the Supreme Court from Taft Avenue.

Earlier, KAISA KA along with Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya (KILUSAN) held a short protest rally in Mendiola to show their continuing commitment to resist all forms and manifestations of tyrannical rule.

For More Info: Atty. Virgie Suarez – KAISA KA Chairperson 09088159923

PRESS RELEASE
September 21,2020

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