(31 Jan 1996) Tagalog/Eng/Nat
Tens of thousands of Filipinos have taken to the streets in one of the largest protests against President Fidel Ramos' government.
They blockaded roads in Manila and shut down public transport in protest against proposed anti-terrorism legislation.
The tough measures are seen by many as undermining the country's hard won democracy.
These were the scenes on the streets of Manila - more than 3,000 protestors marching under banners proclaiming their outrage at the government's new measures to counter terrorism.
Bearing placards denouncing President Fidel Ramos' move, students, workers, farmers and nuns marched to show their opposition to the government backed motion.
Ten years after they ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos, many Filipinos believe the nation's hard-won democracy is under threat.
The new proposals would allow police to tap phone lines, examine bank accounts and arrest suspects without warrants.
President Ramos says the measures are needed to counter a rising threat of terrorism from local and Middle Eastern Muslim extremists, who he says have made the Philippines a base for terror attacks.
Critics say such powers could curtail legitimate dissent and lead to a return of authoritarian rule.
SOUNDBITE:(In English)
"If that draconian power will be given to the US-Ramos regime, specifically to the police and the military, they will use these warrantees arrests, wire tapping and bank scrutiny against legitimate oppositions and to suppress political dissent."
SUPER CAPTION: Nathaniel Santiago, Chairman of New Patriotic Alliance
The new government backed proposals have been put before Congress and the Senate despite widespread opposition, some of it from Senate members.
SOUNDBITE:(In English)
They have put together this innocent looking bill called the anti-terrorism bill. So people are saying this is going to be a prelude to martial law. What I'm saying is if this bill is enacted in its present form you do not need martial law because this will be much worse than martial law.
SUPER CAPTION: Francisco Tat ad, Senator
SOUNDBITE:(In English)
"That is silly, I think it is stupid for people to think that way, You do not need a law like this if your purpose is to declare martial law, what you will be writing is a proclamation of martial law, not crafting a law to address criminality in a democratic society. That shows the ignorance of people."
SUPER CAPTION: Juan Ponce En rile, Senator and sponsor of the anti-terrorism bill in the Senate
But despite the pressure both in an outside parliament, the bill's sponsor, senator Juan Ponce Enrile, says he believes the measures are right.
SOUNDBITE:(In English)
"I stand by what I believe in, I cannot be pressured by anybody, they can take my life for all I care."
SUPER CAPTION: Juan Ponce Enrile, Senator and sponsor of the anti-terrorism bill in the Senate
SOUNDBITE:(In English)
"It will not be enacted because we will make sure it is not enacted."
SUPER CAPTION: Francisco Tatad, Senator
With feelings running high, the bill faces a rough ride and some observers doubt if it will ever become law.
Find out more about AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
You can license this story through AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
