Activism Is Not Terrorism

For the past few days the world’s been shocked at the oppression being shown in the USA. Freedom of speech is the staple of democracy, and we’re all willing to fight for that right.

There’s currently a bill in the Philippines threatening that same right: the Anti-Terror Bill, in which the definition of terrorism is so vague it defies the very freedom of expression, and can make a person spend several years in prison.

I follow several Filipino illustrators on Instagram and have been made aware through their beautiful pieces of the revolting reality they’re now facing. I made this piece to help spread awareness and I’ve already signed a petition. Link for the petition will be in my bio.

What can be considered terrorism? The bill defines “terrorism” as the commission of certain violent acts in order to intimidate the public, spread a message of fear, destabilize society, create an emergency or undermine public safety. It also stated that one of the purposes of terrorism is to “provoke or influence by intimidation the government” or “any of its international organizations.” A person suspected of violating the proposed Anti-Terrorist Act may be detained for as long as 24 days without being informed of the specific charges.

Please share this, spread awareness on the issue to #JunkTerrorBillNow , and sign the petition. We all need to defend our right to express ourselves ✊