Lacson: Publication of suspected terrorists’ names under anti-terror law’s IRR has it’s purpose

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday said the provision in the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 which states that names of suspected terrorists will be published has its purpose.

Interviewed on CNN-Philippines, Lacson said the publication of names will make the suspected individuals prepare for action that will be taken against them.

“Sa akin may purpose ‘yun. I can only guess na ang purpose ng Anti-Terrorism Council  na mag-publish, ay para i-defend o makapag-ready ang designated person on whatever prospective action could be taken against him, like freezing of accounts,” Lacson said.

“Let’s see how it shapes up later. May pending petitions sa SC and I’m sure this will be tackled among others,” he added.

Lacson, principal sponsor of the anti-terror law, expressed openness in criticisms against the provisions.

“Wala kasi sa batas yan, sa IRR lumabas ang publication. And anybody can question. Kasi baka ang Data Privacy Act may implication, baka may violation. I don’t know,” he said.

“Ang sa batas mismo, walang sinasabi na ipa-publish. But we gave the ATC that authority under certain conditions within some parameters to designate individuals or persons. Ang proscription ang judicial,” he noted.

On Saturday, the Department of Justice released for publication the IRR of the Philippines' anti-terrorism law.

A total of 37 petitions have been filed against the new law before the Supreme Court as critics claimed that it endangers basic rights and could legitimize alleged attacks against activists. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News