QC Mayor Belmonte uncomfortable with Anti-Terror Law, fears son could be victimized

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte is uncomfortable with the Anti-Terrorism Law which allows detention of individuals from 14 to 24 days without an arrest warrant and based on suspicion.

Belmonte, in an ANC interview, disclosed that she did not favor the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Law in its present form and that she made her sentiments known in an administration-backed survey done on all mayors in the country.

“There was an informal survey because it was a legislative measure, and we [mayors] are implementors…with regards to this particular legislation, we were asked on what our stand would be. I don't know why [we were asked]. I did say I am in favor of an anti-terrorism law, but in the form that was presented to us, I was not in favor of that form,” she said.

“There were certain provisions that I was not comfortable with. I believe this is a vote of conscience. What if this is my son who was detained for x number of days for a mere suspicion? I would be very uncomfortable with that,” she added.

Belmonte then confirmed that the survey on who are for or against the Anti-Terrorism Law covered all mayors in the country.

“I think they asked the whole country. I don’t know how the mayors voted. I can only speak for myself,” she said.

Asked if she fears reprisal come 2022 elections considering that her opposition is on record, Belmonte said that her conscience vote goes beyond political affiliation.

“We should not be castigated for a vote of conscience. It has nothing to do with political affiliation. It has everything to do with what you feel about what is happening to your family, to your loved one,” the mayor added.

At least nine petitions questioning the legality of the law have been filed before the Supreme Court. The most recent petition was filed by labor groups who said the legislation will have a "destructive chilling effect" on workers' right to organize.

The Palace has said it is confident the new law will withstand such scrutiny.

Aside from prolonged detention, the Anti-Terrorism Law also gives the Anti-Terrorism Council—a panel composed of presidential appointees—the authority to direct the speedy investigation and prosecution of all persons detained or accused of committing terrorism as defined by the said law.

Likewise, the Anti-Terrorism Law criminalizes the act inciting to terrorism made through means of speeches, proclamations, writings, emblems, banners, or other representations, as well as removes the existing P500,000 a day penalty on police officers who will detain suspects eventually acquitted of the crime.—AOL, GMA News