Anti-Terror Bill "Not A Martial Law", PNP Chief Assures Public

PNP Chief assured people that authorities will still operate under the law even if Anti-Terror Bill is passed into law.

ANTI-TERROR BILL – Philippine National Police chief Gen. Archie Gamboa explained controversial bill is not like martial law.

Filipino netizens and even some famous personalities cry to junk Anti-Terror Bill which President Duterte certified as urgent just previously. Senate President Tito Sotto and House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano has signed this on Monday evening and was passed to Malacanang for president’s signature on Tuesday morning.

This particular bill has provisions such as wiretapping of suspects, arrest without warrants, being held for 14 days without being informed of the charges, and among others. And this has sparked fear to the people as the government might use this to people who are critical against the government. With #JunkTerrorBill, people expressed their opinion online.

Now, if this bill is passed, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Archie Gamboa assured the people that authorities will still do what they have to do in accordance to the law. He stressed that this is not martial law and the “aggrieved parties” can have appropriate remedies.

The PNP chief added that they will follow the law and observe due process based on ABS-CBN report. Accordingly, this is set to strengthen Human Security Act of 2007 and toughen the anti-terrorism policies of the government.

Also, Sotto mentioned that protesters, government critics, and others who exercise their civil and political rights will not fall under “terrorist” classification in the new bill. On the other hand, international singer Taylor Swift also posted to junk this.