ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES

WORKSHEET – WEEK 1

Name: ___________________________________________________ Section: ________________

Learning Competencies:
• Analyzes the arguments used by the writer/s in manifestoes
• Defends a stand on an issue by presenting reasonable arguments supported by properly cited factual
evidences

MANIFESTO
A manifesto is a statement of ideals and intentions. One of the most famous examples is The Communist
Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, but there are many others. The Declaration of Independence is a
manifesto; so is Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream Speech.”
According to The Art of Manliness, “A manifesto functions as both a statement of principles and a bold,
sometimes rebellious, call to action. By causing people to evaluate the gap between those principles and their
current reality, the manifesto challenges assumptions, fosters commitment, and provokes change.” Because of
their power to provoke change, manifestos are often embraced by creative and political types (Grammarly, 2014).

A. Direction: Read and analyze the manifesto of unity against the Anti-Terrorism Bill of 2020 in the Philippines
released by the University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies.

Manifesto of Unity against the Anti-Terrorism Bill of 2020 in the Philippines

The University of the Philippine Center for Integrative and Development Studies Program on Alternative
Development (UP CIDS AltDev), with civil society organizations, grassroots communities, and scholar-activists across
Southeast Asia and the globe, condemns the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Bill of 2020. Nothing but a weapon to
silence criticism and dissent toward the government, the proposed Bill is a threat to the fundamental constitutional
rights of the Filipino people.

The Bill grants absolute power to the state and its repressive apparatuses such as the Armed Forces of the
Philippines and the Philippine National Police to violate the Philippine Constitution and human rights. It harbors a
vague definition of terrorism which permits the malicious tagging of activists, critics, and organizations as affiliates of
so-called terrorist groups. Furthermore, the Bill undermines whatever “safeguard” it has by giving free rein to the Anti-
Terror Council (ATC) to determine what constitutes “a serious risk to public safety” and the act to “incite others” to
commit terrorism. This paves the way for the warrantless arrest of members of civil society designated as “terrorist.”
This may paralyze the broad grassroots movements and alternative practices engaged by communities and civil
society organizations that counter the state’s aggressive, profit-oriented vision of development. No one is safe.

LODLOD INTEGRATED NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Lodlod, Lipa City
Tel No.: (043) 757-2913
Email add: lodlodnhs@gmail.com
 We believe that it is imperative that we put an end to terrorist activities. Our hearts and sympathies go out to
all of those who have been victimized by acts of lawless violence. However, arming the government with punitive
instruments and granting them a wide latitude of discretion, which the proposed bill provides, is not the answer. History
will tell how current and past regimes have exhausted means to amass political power through anti-people policies, as
exemplified by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos who wore the same “anti-terrorism” veneer to quell critics and
dissenters. Suffice to say, the “Terror Bill” does not and will not address the root causes of terrorism which is poverty
and the corruption of power.

As scholars and activists, we cannot stand by as we lay witness to the passage of this bill, especially under
the current regime which has not been shy to use violence against the weak, powerless and the poor. We believe that
addressing terrorism must not be addressed through punitive and draconian measures. Quelling terroristic activities
is built through a comprehensive approach towards attaining peace, social justice, equity with the genuine participation
of its people. We do not need to further arm the coercive apparatuses of the state which has operated with impunity
and has grotesquely performed its duties with abuses. In order to end terrorism, what our society needs are real
opportunities for its people, schools for its children, protection for peoples across races, sexes, and genders, an end
to discrimination and violence, and genuine, open and transformative conversations in our pursuit of development.

To be free from terrorism, the entire Philippine nation, and the rest of the world, must get rid of poverty,
marginalization and vulnerabilities. We need and demand for socio-politico-economic transformation attuned to
people’s aspirations and voices, not another gauntlet to further strangle the Filipino peoples.

Source: https://cids.up.edu.ph/manifesto-of-unity-against-the-anti-terrorism-bill-of-2020/

B. Direction: On a separate answer sheet, write your answers to the following questions.

1. What is the stand of the UP CIDS AltDev on the issue of the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Bill of 2020?
2. What are the arguments mentioned in the manifesto? Enumerate them.
3. Which argument was the most convincing for you? Why?
4. Do you agree on the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Bill of 2020? Give at least three arguments supporting
your answer.
5. Cite two or more factual evidences (news report, studies, etc.) that can solidify the arguments you gave in
question number 4.

LODLOD INTEGRATED NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Lodlod, Lipa City
Tel No.: (043) 757-2913
Email add: lodlodnhs@gmail.com