The attacks from leftists groups amid the COVID-19 crises, security threat brought about by Abu Sayyaf, and the Marawi Siege are a few of President Duterte’s reasons to prod Congress to speed up the passing of the bill to amend the anti-terrorism law.
In his letter to Congress, the Chief Executive indicated the necessity to “address the urgent need to strengthen the law on anti-terrorism in order to adequately and effectively contain the menace of terrorist acts for the preservation of national security and the promotion of general welfare.”
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque explained the bill would help the country, contrary to some criticisms.
“Kamakailan, ang Abu Sayyaf, meron na namang pinatay na ating kasundaluhan sa pinaka karumal-dumal na pamamaraan. Hanggang ngayon po, hindi naman natin nagagamit ‘yung Human Security Act laban sa Abu Sayyaf (Abu Sayyaf recently killed some of our soldiers in the most gruesome way. Until now, we still cannot use the Human Security Act against the Abu Sayyaf),” Roque enlightened.
“Kung titingnan po natin ang mga batas ng iba’t ibang bansa gaya ng Inglatera, Australia, pati Amerika, ‘yung ating batas po ngayon na Human Security Act ay talaga naman pong napakahinay, napakahinhin pagdating sa mga terorista (If we look at the laws of other countries like England, Australia, and Amerika, our Human Security Act is really slow and modest toward terrorists),” he added.
Regarding allegations that it would lead to human rights violations, Roque pointed out the Court will declare which provisions violate the Constitution.
“Pero naniniwala po ako, dahil alam naman ng Kongreso, lalo na ang Senado, ang kanilang ginagawa, not only is it presumed constitutional, pero it also passed the test of constitutionality (But I believe, since Congress, especially the Senate know what they are doing, not only is it presumed constitutional, but it also passed the test of constitutionality),” he elucidated.
In a separate statement, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo clarified that advocacies and protests are not considered acts of terrorism.
“Halimbawa ikaw ay pupunta ka sa lansangan, ikaw ay magpoprotesta. Karapatan ‘yun, hindi iyon terorismo o kaya anumang mga pag-e-exercise mo ng civil and political rights (For example, you go to streets to protest. That is a right and not terrorism just like exercising civil and political rights),” he added.
Report from Mela Lesmoras
