Hontiveros chides MPD for LGBTQ+ arrest : "Magtataka pa rin ba tayo kung bakit takot ang mga tao sa Anti-Terror Law?"

Senator Risa Hontiveros has raised the issue of the arrest of the members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual Plus (LGBTQIA+) in Mendiola, Manila.

The lady senator said the arrest could “further trample” on “citizens’ basic rights.”

The Manila Police District(MPD)  arrested around 20 members of the (LGBTQIA+) aand a media staff, alleging they violated physical distancing protocols during the rally.

Members of the LGBTQ+ seen in Mendiola protesting the Anti-Terror bill
(photo credit to owner)

"Nakakabahala na kahit mismo sa Pride Month ay inaresto ang mga LGBTQ+ at allies na mahinahon, mapayapa at naka-social distancing na nananawagan para sa kanilang mga karapatan," Hontiveros said in a statement.

"Sa totoo lang, mas na-violate pa ang social distancing dahil sa pag-aresto. May kasama pang miyembro ng media ang dinamay," she added.

News and videos of the arrest showd how the protesters were crammed into a police vehicle for their transport to the police station.

The opposition senator also took the opportunity to make a swipe at the Anti Terrorism bill which she warns that "citizens' basic rights" could be "further trampled on" should it be signed into law.

"Magtataka pa rin ba tayo kung bakit takot ang mga tao sa Anti-Terror Law?" the senator said.

"Let’s not use the pandemic to further trample on our citizens’ basic rights. Pride & activism are not terrorism."

The opposition as wells as some human rights and civic groups have been saying the passage of the Anti-Terrorism bill into a law would be prone to abuse as authorities could detain people if they are deemed terrorists.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, one of the principal author of the measure has repeatedly defended such measure saying there are enough safeguards to ensure the authorities will not violate the suspects constitutional rights.

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Report from ABS-CBN News

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