Lawmakers file bill vs KWF book ban

MANILA, Philippines — The Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives has filed a bill asking the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) to revoke a resolution banning books it deemed to be subversive.

In filing House Bill 253, the Makabayan bloc said the ban is a form of red tagging and illegal book purging by the KWF.

“The resolution violates academic freedom, freedom of expression and other rights of the people as well as those provided under Republic Act 7104,” the measure said.

The proposal was authored by ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro, Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas and Kabataan party-list Raoul Manuel.

The Makabayan lawmakers also urged Congress to investigate the matter.