Understand anti-terror bill first, women’s group to Pia Wurtzbach

•A women’s group called on women and the Filipino people to understand issues at hand first before reacting emotionally on the proposed anti-terrorism bill

•President of MELCHORA party-list organization, made a call as a reaction to the tweets of Pia Wurtzbach and Angel Locsin who expressed opposition to the proposed anti-terrorism bill

•The exact reason why the women sector should support the anti-terrorism bill, as it will be a means for the government to protect its people 

A women’s group on Monday called on women and the Filipino people to understand issues at hand first before “reacting emotionally,” amid surge in protests on the proposed anti-terrorism bill.

Grace Ibuna, president of Movement of Women for Change and Reform (MELCHORA) party-list organization, made this call as a reaction to the tweets of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and actress Angel Locsin who expressed opposition to the proposed anti-terrorism bill, saying their rights would be endangered under the measure.

Ibuna said while there is no problem to voice out dissent, pushing for democratic rights should not be used to “cause anarchy.”

“Kung purely expression of dissenting opinion lang yan, walang problema yan at karapatan naman natin yan. Pero yung pagkamit sa demokrasya at may nakatagong agenda ng panggulo na mag-resulta ng anarkismo at pagkamatay ng mga tao at pagwasak ng mga pribadong pag-aari, ibang usapan na po yan (If it is purely expression of dissenting opinion then it is fine as it is a basic right. But obtaining democracy with an underlying agenda to agitate and cause anarchy, death and destruction of properties, then it is another thing),” she said.





Ibuna said in that way, that becomes terrorism against people and the women.

Ibuna added that it is the exact reason why the women sector should support the anti-terrorism bill, as it will be a means for the government to protect its people and that even the state can be held liable if it abuses in its implementation.

She said the measure would help push for peace and order in the country.

“I ask my fellow women and the Filipino people to give this measure a chance. We have been longing for peace and stability in our country. This measure will give way to it” Ibuna said. (PNA)