Sotto, Lacson laud Duterte's approval of anti-terror law

Several senators who pushed for the passage of the controversial anti-terror bill on Friday lauded President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to cement it as Republic Act 11479.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III, a co-author of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, said he is "glad  [that] the President has sifted through the rubble and saw the importance of the law."

He reiterated that the new law, which repeals the Human Security Act of 2007, has enough safeguards against abuse.

Further, Sotto said the anti-terror measure comes as an answer to the Philippines' need to protect the public from "ruthless ideologies and stop unrepentant agitators from sowing mayhem and disorder."

"The government's hands are no longer tied. We now stand at par with many countries in the region in capacity- building measures against terrorists. Law abiding citizens have nothing to fear," he added.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, the principal sponsor of the measure, said he admired Duterte's strong political will to strengthen the country's anti-terrorism efforts.

"Much credit goes to PRRD (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte). With all the pressure coming from different directions against the signing of the Anti-Terrorism Bill into law, at the end of the day, it is his strong political will that mattered most," Lacson said.

"I cannot imagine this measure being signed under another administration. If only for this, I take my hat off to the President," he added.

Lacson further said that he would make "extra effort" to protect the law's implementation against any possible abuse. Nonetheless, he maintained that enough safeguards were incorporated in the anti-terror law.

Senator Francis Tolentino said the approval of the law was "very timely and historic," claiming it was a legislation needed by the Philippines.

"It just goes to show that a stable peace and order climate should go hand in hand with economic rejuvenation post-COVID-19. We should all support this measure," he added.

On the other hand, opposition Senator Francis Pangilinan said Duterte's decision was expected.

"I am not surprised. From Day 1 this Administration unleashed draconian and authoritarian measures as a showcase of its brand of leadership. These draconian measures however have been exposed as nothing more than a show of senseless, mindless violence as means to sow fear amongst the people," he said.

He pointed out that the administration's drug war allegedly failed to capture big-time drug lords, the Martial law in Mindanao has failed to address the reconstruction of Marawi, and "longest" lockdown did not address the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Patunay lahat ito na hindi kamay na bakal ang solusyon sa ating mga problema," he said.

Pangilinan, one of the two senators who voted against the passage of the anti-terror law, said he is ready to challenge its constitutionality before the Supreme Court.

"Basura ang pilit na isinusubo sa taumbayan. Dapat ibasura ang walang kwentang batas na ito at handa tayong kwestyunin ang constitutionality ng batas na ito sa Korte Suprema," he said.

Among the controversial provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act that have been pointed out by critics were the extension of detention period for those arrested without warrant from the current 36 hours to 14 days, which is extendable by 10 more days; the court's issuance of preliminary proscription order within 72 hours; and the allegedly "ambiguous" definition of what constitutes terrorism.

The Senate passed the said measure in February and the House of Representatives adopted and approved the said version last month after being certified as urgent by Duterte.

The enrolled version of the bill was transmitted to the Palace on June 9 and will automatically lapse into law next week without action from the president. —LDF, GMA News