MANILA (Agencies): The Commission on the Filipino Language [Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino or KWF] reportedly ordered a ban on the printing of five higher secondary books on August 12, for allegedly having content in violation of the Philippines’ anti-terrorism law, UCAN reported.
The banning of the books by renowned authors, Malou Jacob, Rommel Rodriguez, Dexter Cayanes, Don Pagusara and Reuel Aguila, triggered condemnation of purported attempts to curtail free speech.
“The five books may violate Section 9 of the Anti-Terrorism Act especially there are some parts or provisions therein that may be interpreted with extreme caution especially if it may be overreaching, and results in the possible destabilisation of the government and for encouraging membership of terrorist groups,” the commission claimed.
The authors issued a joint statement on August 14 condemning the decision, saying the suppression of their work curtailed freedom of expression.
We encourage the KWF to study this policy through consultations with relevant stakeholders, as well as to go into a further inquiry on the contents of the said publications
Commission on Human Rights.
They alleged that the move is tantamount to actions taken during the martial law under dictator Ferdinand Marcos, Sr., the father of the current president. The authors added that labelling their work as “subversive”, “anti-Marcos”, and “anti-Duterte” was a violation of their constitutionally protected right to freedom of speech, UCAN reported.
“Subversive is a dangerous accusation, which may already be stepping on the boundaries of freedom of expression and academic freedom,” they said.
Among the titles were Lakas Kasama [Strength Together] and Bayan [Motherland] which the commission claimed contained subversive material carrying the messages and influence of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
The KWF banned a book penned by a professor of the University of the Philippines for encouraging revolution as the only viable solution to the struggles of the nation.
The rest of the publications were junked for allegedly encouraging membership of the Communist Party by advising patriots to go “up to the mountains to take up arms”.
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The commission’s interpretation was that the publications were promoting membership of the New People’s Army, the communist party’s armed wing, which the government lists as a terrorist organisation.
…labelling the books “subversive is a dangerous accusation which may already be stepping on the boundaries of freedom of expression and academic freedom.
Arthur Casanova, chairperson ofthe Commission on the Filipino Language [Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino or KWF]
“There are many reasons why people climb mountains. Some do it for adventure, a quick escape from city life. Some go to learn or to research — a class requirement in order to graduate. Some climb a mountain to see the extraordinary… But some go in order to take up arms [against the government]”, reads the content from one of the books.
The Commission on Human Rights, however, urged the KWF to exercise “more prudence” in labelling texts as “subversive.”
“We encourage the KWF to study this policy through consultations with relevant stakeholders, as well as to go into a further inquiry on the contents of the said publications,” the human rights commission said in a statement.
However in a contradictory turn, LiCAS.News reported on August 12 that in a separate statement, KWF chairperson, Arthur Casanova, denied the accusations, saying that labelling the books “subversive is a dangerous accusation which may already be stepping on the boundaries of freedom of expression and academic freedom.”
He pointed out, “All the books underwent the usual scrutiny that all publications of the KWF must pass, including receiving the imprimatur of the other two full-time commissioners. I did not railroad nor force any publication,” he said.
According to LiCAS.News Casanova did not sign the purported KWF memorandum stopping the publication of the books.
The St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School and the Malate Catholic School in Manila expressed concerns at attempts to censor free speech and academic freedom, according to UCAN.
“This is a violation of our constitutional rights—just as what we had predicted when we opposed the constitutionality of the Anti-Terror Law. Now, we are reaping its effects,” Jose Bonoan, principal of St. Vincent de Paul School, said.
