Duterte awaiting finalization of tiny details before signing Anti-Terror Bill

President Rodrigo Duterte is just awaiting for author Senator Panfilo Lacson to finalize small details before signing the controversial Anti-Terror Bill, his spokesperson Harry Roque said on Wednesday.

In an interview on ANC, Roque said Duterte stated this in his public address that was not broadcast.

“When he spoke about the anti-terror bill he's saying, ‘I'm waiting for Senator Lacson to finalize his commas and periods before I sign the bill’,” Roque said.

However, Roque noted that the statement was rhetorical given that the bill is still being examined by the Office of the Executive Secretary.

According to Roque, the most important insights on the bill will be coming from the Office of the Executive Secretary especially the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs.

“Of course, it is important to listen to the Department of Justice (DOJ) as well,” he added.

On Tuesday, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said he is confident Duterte will consider his department's comments before acting on the anti-terrorism bill.

Having finished its brainstorming session on Monday, the DOJ will send its comments to the Office of the President on Wednesday.

Asked if the recommendations of the concerned departments and offices will be a chance for the bill to be vetoed, Roque said Duterte himself will “make a determination” if he sees problematic provisions.

“Let's not forget that the president was also a criminal lawyer and public prosecutor. He will read the bill and he will himself make a determination if any provision that is contrary to the Bill of Rights and the Constitution,” he said.

The anti-terrorism bill, which seeks to replace the Human Security Act of 2007, hurdled both chambers of Congress amid concerns that it could be used by the government to go after activists.

Critics have also pointed out that the proposed law may violate the Constitution due to its provisions allowing for the warrantless detention of suspected terrorists for up to 24 days and the supposed power of the Anti-Terrorism Council, a body to be created by the law, to authorize arrests. —LBG, GMA News