Anti-terror bill up for 'final review' –Palace

Malacañang officials are finalizing their recommendation to President Rodrigo Duterte on the fate of the bill seeking to strengthen the Philippines’ anti-terrorism campaign.

Duterte’s spokesperson Harry Roque said on Thursday that the recommendation drafted by the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs is up for “final review” by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

Medialdea, in turn, will submit the Palace’s position to the President, who has until July 9 to decide whether to sign, veto or let the bill lapse into law.

The Department of Justice and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo also gave separate comments on the proposed measure, which has drawn criticism because it allegedly contained provisions that may be used to stifle dissent.

Critics have also warned against the up to 24-day warrantless detention period for suspected terrorists, and the alleged authority of the Anti-Terrorism Council to authorize in writing the arrest of terrorism suspects.

On Tuesday, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet asked Duterte not to sign the bill, saying the proposal’s looming enactment heightened their concern about the “blurring of important distinctions between criticism, criminality and terrorism.”

She urged Duterte to come up with a legislation that contains safeguards against abuse.

Roque replied that developed countries have “more draconian” laws against terrorism, citing the United States and the United Kingdom.

He said the Philippine lawmakers behind the bill “looked at the European legislation as a model” in drafting the proposed measure, which seeks to replace the 13-year Human Security Act. —KBK, GMA News