The militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) expressed concern on the bill passed by a congresswoman from Leyte banning so-called noise pollution in the metropolis because it may be used as an excuse to stifle protest. According to Carl Anthony Ala, public information officer of KMP, “this may be the beginning of passing laws which may seems innocuous at first, but when implemented runs smack against our civil liberties,”

“One of the salient provisions of the bill is that it would not allow the use of public address systems or speakers unless by the authorities and for necessary and legitimate actions. This passage is very dangerous because it will curtail our freedom of expression as well as our constant and militant call for change. Besides who is to interpret what is necessary and what is legitimate? In our experience it is of course the authorities that will do that. Authorities who are allergic to protests and hearing their mistakes exposed to the public,” added Ala.

“We think that the good representative should think of more substantial issues to occupy her time because what we need now are laws which will alleviate the crippling poverty our citizens are experiencing as well as laws which will be of use to stop the fiscal crisis, like a debt moratorium law for example,” explained Ala.

The group also highlighted the fact that the commemoration for the declaration of Martial Law was drawing near and it seems a bit curious that such a potentially repressive bill should be passed also at this time.

“It is in this atmosphere of extreme crisis that dissent is at its peak, instead of trying to stifle it, the government should try to solve the root cause of the crisis Dissent should be expressed because it is part of our rights. And lest they forget the last ones who tried to stifle dissent were ousted from power,” ended Ala.# # #
 

KMP - 18 SEptember 2005