Duterte 'inclined' to sign anti-terror bill into law –Palace

Despite opposition from various sectors, President Rodrigo Duterte is "inclined" to sign the anti-terrorism bill, Malacañang said Tuesday.

“I think he is inclined to sign it,” Roque told CNN Philippines in an interview.

The anti-terrorism bill, which seeks to replace the Human Security Act, the country's existing law against terrorism, is being reviewed by Malacañang after it was passed by Congress amid concerns on some of its provisions.

Critics have said that the proposed law may empower the government to go after legitimate dissent. They have also warned against the up-to 24-day warrantless detention period for suspected terrorists, and the alleged authority of the Anti-Terrorism Council, a body created under the law, to authorize in writing the arrest of terrorism suspects.

In addition, the bill removes the existing P500,000 a day penalty on police officers who will detain suspects eventually acquitted of the crime.

At present, Roque said Duterte is "taking a final look" at the bill, which is principally authored by Senator Panfilo Lacson, a former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The bill is currently being reviewed by the Office of the Executive Secretary and the Department of Justice (DOJ), Roque said.

The Commission on Human Rights, a government entity, earlier said that the bill will allow authorities to tag exercise of rights as an act of terrorism with no accountability. --Llanesca T. Panti/KBK, GMA News