Arnolfo Teves Jr. defies the typical stereotype of a terrorist according to the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC). In fact, his background and identity are more similar to the council members themselves than to the usual suspects. Despite this, Teves finds himself subjected to the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, which was passed by Congress three years ago and upheld by the Supreme Court in 2021.
Teves, a former lawmaker from Negros Oriental, has not been accused of being a communist insurgent or rebel dissenter. Instead, he has been charged with multiple murders and other crimes. While he may not be an innocent victim, Teves illustrates how the state can manipulate the law to its advantage.
Republic Act No. 11479, also known as the Anti-Terrorism Act, has become the government’s preferred tool to target perceived adversaries. Community doctor Natividad Castro and Cordillera activists Sarah Abellon Alikes, Jennifer Awingan Taggaoa, Windel Bolinget, and Stephen Tauli are just a few examples of individuals who have been labeled as terrorists under this law.
The ATC, composed of the national security adviser and heads of various government departments, holds the power to designate individuals as terrorists. This unilateral authority has been a point of contention during legal discussions. The Supreme Court acknowledged the potential chilling effect on free speech and deemed this provision unconstitutional. However, the court ultimately upheld the law, albeit with certain modifications.
There is hope for change, as the Supreme Court is currently reviewing the “Special Rules of Procedure on Anti-Terrorism Cases.” These rules aim to protect the fundamental rights of individuals and entities from abuse in the implementation of overly broad laws. The court must take into consideration how the government has weaponized RA 11479 and ensure safeguards are in place to protect the rights of activists and dissenters.
In conclusion, Arnolfo Teves Jr.’s case sheds light on the misuse of the Anti-Terrorism Act. The government must revise the law to prevent it from being used against individuals who exercise their civil and political rights. By doing so, we can ensure that the law serves its intended purpose of safeguarding national security without infringing on the rights of citizens.
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