Press Release
September 21, 2017

HONTIVEROS: FIGHT DUTERTATORSHIP

On the 45th year anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros called on the public to defend democracy from what she called the "threat of Dutertatorship."

"We live under a 'Dutertatorship.' Tayo ay pinamumunuan ng isang "rehimeng Dutertador. It is an authoritarian regime distinctive for its policy of killing, use of fake news as a political tool to stiffle dissent, and its palpable hatred and persecution of women leaders who dare stand up to blatant disregard for democracy. It is Marcos-inspired. It is modern-day Philippine autocratic governance. It has little or no regard at all for the rule of law and civil liberties," Hontiveros said.

Hontiveros urged all democracy-loving Filipinos to "push back" and "turn the tide" in favor of democracy and human rights.

"Now is not the time for meek submission, not while innocent lives are slain, hopes are extinguished, and the promise of peace and order is instead stained with bloodshed and grief. Now is not the time to bow our heads and stay quiet. Now is the time to push back, turn the tide and end the madness," Hontiveros said.

Hontiveros is part of Tindig Pilipinas, a broad coalition of people's organizations and civil society groups formed to register their protest against human rights violations particularly extrajudicial killings under the Duterte administration.

In a statement, the coalition said that it was for a "responsible and accountable government that listens to the people, and is committed to human rights, sovereignty, peace,and the rule of law."

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