Vice President Leni Robredo questions if Anti-Terror bill is passed to be against terrorists or critics.
ANTI-TERROR BILL – The controversial Anti-Terror Bill just now needs President Duterte’s sign and Vice President Robredo has this question.
‘Ang tanong ko nga: terorismo ba talaga ang tuon ng [anti-] terror bill? O gusto lang nitong bigyan ng kapangyarihan ang estado para bansagang terorista kung sino man ang kanilang gusto?’
This is a question raised by Philippines Vice President Leni Robredo over the controversial Anti-Terror Bill which is now waiting to be signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte. There were 173 lawmakers in the House of Representatives who supported to pass this bill.
She then added that this bill is lethal most especially if it falls in the wrong hands and there will surely be someone who will abuse another backed by this bill. This has become an urgent matter as per Duterte for in this current time, the country battle pandemic COVID-19.
According to a report from Rappler, she urged the current administration to focus and prioritize the issues brought about by the pandemic instead of giving much attention to this amid a raging viral disease.
Robredo also said, “Sikapin sana nating maisalamin nito ang saloobin at adhikain ng taumbayan. Hinihimok natin ang ating mga mambabatas: magpamalas sana sila ng ibayong pakikinig at paninilay sa pagpanday ng [anti-]terror bill.”
What are the reasons why many people, coming from lawyers down to other groups, are terrified of this to become a law?
- a suspected terrorist might be detained for up to 24 days being arrested without warrant and without knowing specific charges why he is being detained
- limited movement to persons who are associated to the suspected terrorist and would be under surveillance or wiretapping
- the “chilling effect” which worries lawyers, civil libertarians and activists as there are new crimes according to this which could be use as ground to arrest a person such as:
- “proposal to commit terrorism” under Sections 3(g) and 8,
- “threat to commit terrorism” under Section 5
- “planning, training, preparing and facilitating the commission of terrorism” under Section 6
- “inciting to commit terrorism” under Section 9
- “recruitment to and membership in a terrorist organization” under Section 10
- lighter punishment to the officials in the country who will abuse their power and position as per One News’ article and there were many more reasons stated to be feared about once this law is passed
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- Senate OKs Anti-Terrorism Bill: Wiretapping, Detention W/O Warrant Legal
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