Malacañang has assured that President Rodrigo Duterte will thoroughly assess the provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Bill once it reaches his office, following some opposition pushback and protests by civil rights groups against the proposed law.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the offices under the President including the Office of the Executive Secretary and Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs have their own study on proposed bills up for PRRD’s signature.
“The President is always guided for what is best for the country. Wala naman pong desisyon na walang tumututol talaga. Basta’t ito po ay makakatulong sa mas nakararami sa atin, susuportahan po yan ng ating Presidente (There are no decisions without opposition. As long as it will help the majority, the President will support it),” Roque explained.
Roque added the Palace will leave to Congress the matter on some lawmakers who withdrew their votes earlier cast in favor of the bill.
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said it is now reviewing the provisions of the bill after the executive department asked for its recommendation. The department already clarified the bill does not easily or generally consider any activity as an “act of terrorism.”
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana also claimed there has been a lot of misinformation on the enactment process of the bill. He clarified that activism, dissent to government, demonstrations and peaceful demonstrations are not acts of terrorism. – Report from Patrick de Jesus
