Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo formally recommended to President Rodrigo Duterte to approve and sign into law the Anti-Terrorism Bill.
“Our office has studied each and every provision, which should not be read in isolation but in connection with each other so as to render the document in its entirety, as well as its directives, effective in combatting terrorism, and found the same passing the constitutional test,” Panelo said.
Panelo also reiterated the bill has enough safeguards to ensure that provisions “would be implemented and enforced against those who intend to sow and create a condition of widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace through lawless actions without violating the latter’s political and civil rights.”
Panelo added the said legislation “is intended solely against terrorists (and definitely not against citizens who peacefully dissent against — and criticize — the government’s policies).” – Report from Mela Lesmoras
