Cayetano: Activism in its ‘truest, finest form’ when used to help solve country’s problems

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday said that activism is in its "truest and finest form" when it is used to help solve the country's problems, then alleged that critics of the anti-terror bill are allowing terrorists to hide in their ranks.

Cayetano made the remark as the House of Representatives began its inquiry into the delay in the distribution of COVID-19 cash subsidy by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to the rightful beneficiaries.

“This is activism at its truest and finest form—when we make a difference not by tearing things down, but by finding things to fix and building something better from it,” Cayetano said in a statement.

"[What the country needs are] activists that will not blow [up] churches and airports, kill our soldiers and police but help solve present problems," he added.

Earlier this month, the House of Representatives approved the controversial new anti-terrorism bill, which seeks to strengthen the country's policy against terrorism.

This, even as there are concerns that the proposed measure might be used to target individuals that expressed dissent against the government.

Proponents and supporters of the measure have been keen on explaining in many interviews that the measure is not targeted against activists, and that there are enough safeguards under the bill to prevent it from being abused.

Cayetano has also defended the measure, echoing that it is not after activists but terrorists who masquerade as activists.

“Ang sabi nila [critics], activism is not terrorism. We agree with you. Ang aktibismo ay hindi terorismo. We want to promote activism, from the youngest child. That is why my late father had a show, Compañero y Compañera, saying wag magpa-api, alamin ang batas,” he said.

“Hindi magbabago ang dapat mabago sa ating bansa kung walang aktibismo. In the same vein, terrorism is not activism. You should not allow terrorists to hide within your ranks,” he added.

Cayetano has also said the country should always be vigilant against acts of terrorism.

He said that terrorism "is an ever-evolving issue that all countries—not just the Philippines—are grappling with right now.”

"We can never let our guard down. Not against over-reach by [the] government, nor the acts of terrorists. But contrary to what critics insist—these two objectives should not be mutually exclusive. With more trust and less politics, I am confident that we can have both," he added.

The new anti-terrorism bill is now up for action by President Rodrigo Duterte, although his legal team is still reviewing the measure.

Malacañang, nevertheless, said Duterte is “inclined” to sign the bill. — BM, GMA News