Lacson open to anti-terror bill being amended, enhanced after passage

Additional safeguards and amendments to the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act can be accepted after its passage, according to prinicipal sponsor of the bill Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday.

During a webinar of the Management Association of the Philippines, the senator was asked if he would sponsor further amendments to the anti-terror bill to prevent possible abuses of the executive department.

"Definitely. We can introduce amendments or further amend the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 once it is enacted into law. Nothing can prevent a senator or congressman to file a bill to amend, immediately upon its effectivity," Lacson answered.

Lacson, however, underscored that this does not mean he is conceding that the proposed law is constitutionally weak.

"If somebody wants to file, we’re open to further improving without admitting there are constitutional infirmities. If the purpose is to further enhance the measure by way of its implementation and the safeguards, then we’re willing, we’re open to that," he said.

The anti-terrorism bill—which drew opposition from various groups for concerns that it may be used to gag dissenters of the administration and stifle activism—is now up for President Rodrigo Duterte's signature.

Among the several provisions of the measure that are being questioned by critics is the 14- to 24-day detention period for suspected terrorists who are arrested without warrant.

The Palace said Duterte believes in the legality of the said provision.

The timing of the Congress' passage of the controversial bill has also been questioned after the President certified it as urgent in the middle of a health crisis.

Lacson, on the other hand, reiterated that terrorism knows no timing.

"'Di naman pwedeng sabihin sa terrorist, 'Hoy may COVID-19 huwag muna kayo mambomba. And on the part of the Senate, we passed this measure on third reading last February," he said.

Malacañang said Duterte is expected to receive the opinions of various agencies on the legality of the anti-terror bill this week. — BM, GMA News