In the time of a pandemic, Congress passes a bill that critics said threatens some of our basic rights. Here are the stories making the headlines on ANC today:

Terrorized
A protest action was held at the University of the Philippines on Thursday against the anti-terror bill. The Palace said the proposed law would still be reviewed by President Rodrigo Duterte before it is signed into law. The president had certified the bill as urgent so whatever the Palace said, it is likely to be signed soon. Some lawmakers also withdrew their authorship of the bill.

Near impunity
A report by the United Nations Human Rights Office said the Philippine government was combating illegal drugs with a “heavy-handed” focus. This has resulted in “near impunity” and grave human rights abuses.

VFA
The Palace said President Duterte had not changed his mind about terminating the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States. On Wednesday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. sent a diplomatic note to the US Ambassador on the suspension of the termination of the VFA.

Mean machines
We may see the return of buses on Metro Manila’s main thoroughfares soon. President Duterte ordered the opening of more bus routes in the metropolis. Will we see a return of real heavy traffic? Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque also said the apprehension of tricycles on national highways were temporarily suspended. But he also said tricycles were still prohibited on these roads. And cycling groups called on government to provide bikeways, something that could’ve been done when the streets were nearly empty during the quarantine.

Protective protest
When PPEs started becoming scarce, contemporary artist Leeroy New jumped into the cause in his signature style. His fantastical, monstrous face shields are saying a lot more than they look.