Duterte’s Anti-Terror Act: Five years of terrorizing the people

It’s been five years since Rodrigo Duterte signed the sweeping fascist Anti-Terror Act (ATA) that effectively criminalized dissent and legalized political repression. Malaya Movement USA along with many other advocacy groups widely criticized the ATA for the dangers it posed to activists and human rights defenders who’d already been subjected to the Duterte regime’s relentless attacks. The ATA along with the Noynoy Aquino-era Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act (TFPSA) are used to target advocates and human rights defenders. 

Malaya Movement USA condemns in the strongest terms the killing of human rights defender,  former journalist and radio broadcaster, and trans activist Ali Macalintal. No matter how hard Marcos Jr. tries to distance himself from Rodrigo Duterte, it is clear that  impunity continues under his administration.

Disqualify the Duterte Youth Partylist! Proclaim the Gabriela Women’s Partylist Now!

On the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence from Spain, Malaya Movement USA calls on the Filipino people to continue the historic legacy of resistance and fight for the full realization of genuine independence and sovereignty in the Philippines. We must fight against Marcos Jr.’s selling out of our land, waters, economy, and labor to foreign powers and free our motherland! 

The unconstitutional maneuvers of opportunist senators to dismiss Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial before it even begins are the latest shameful and absurd example of how corrupt the political system is in the Philippines. Laws are treated by the ruling political dynasties as if they are merely ‘optional’ rules that can be bent or disregarded at their whim, to serve their own selfish interests.

To Filipinos in the US, be alert of known criminal violators of human rights, Jeffrey Celiz and Royina Garma, who in this moment are trying to escape accountability in the Philippines by seeking refuge in the US. Celiz is applying for political asylum in Canada.