Anti-terror bill tough but safeguards tougher: Lacson | ABS-CBN
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Anti-terror bill tough but safeguards tougher: Lacson
Anti-terror bill tough but safeguards tougher: Lacson
ABS-CBN News
Published Jun 08, 2020 11:46 AM PHT
MANILA - The anti-terror bill is tough but its safeguards against human rights violations are "even tougher," its main sponsor in the Senate said Monday.
MANILA - The anti-terror bill is tough but its safeguards against human rights violations are "even tougher," its main sponsor in the Senate said Monday.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson said the measure was initially an amendment to the Human Security Act of 2007 but senators later decided to repeal for being a "dead letter law," citing only 1 conviction since its enactment.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson said the measure was initially an amendment to the Human Security Act of 2007 but senators later decided to repeal for being a "dead letter law," citing only 1 conviction since its enactment.
"Yung global terrorism index in 2018 we are number 9. Tayo ang number 1 sa Southeast Asia. Gusto ba natin maging safe haven ang Pilipinas for terrorists? Ganun na nga ang nangyayari. Nagiging laboratory, especially Mindanao," he told ANC.
"Yung global terrorism index in 2018 we are number 9. Tayo ang number 1 sa Southeast Asia. Gusto ba natin maging safe haven ang Pilipinas for terrorists? Ganun na nga ang nangyayari. Nagiging laboratory, especially Mindanao," he told ANC.
(We are number 1 in Southeast Asia. Do we want the Philippines to be a safe haven for terrorists? That's what's happening, it's becoming a laboratory, especially Mindanao.)
(We are number 1 in Southeast Asia. Do we want the Philippines to be a safe haven for terrorists? That's what's happening, it's becoming a laboratory, especially Mindanao.)
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"The proposed measure, while it is tough, it may look tough but the safeguards are even tougher. A wrongful act would (constitute) 10 years imprisonment and perpetual absolute disqualification."
"The proposed measure, while it is tough, it may look tough but the safeguards are even tougher. A wrongful act would (constitute) 10 years imprisonment and perpetual absolute disqualification."
He added that government forces are still liable and may face civil charges for violations.
He added that government forces are still liable and may face civil charges for violations.
"They’re still liable under Article 125, 'yung delay in the delivery of person before an inquest prosecutor or a judge. They can still be sued civilly," he said.
"They’re still liable under Article 125, 'yung delay in the delivery of person before an inquest prosecutor or a judge. They can still be sued civilly," he said.
Lacson said there was "no vagueness" in the crafting of the bill and its definition of terrorism.
Lacson said there was "no vagueness" in the crafting of the bill and its definition of terrorism.
"There are limitations. While we included 5 acts that would constitute acts of terrorism, we made it very clear that the purpose of such act should be taken into consideration," he said.
"And at the latter part we added a provision that emphasized adherence to the bill of rights."
"There are limitations. While we included 5 acts that would constitute acts of terrorism, we made it very clear that the purpose of such act should be taken into consideration," he said.
"And at the latter part we added a provision that emphasized adherence to the bill of rights."
Under the measure, the anti-terrorism council "cannot exercise judicial or quasi-judicial powers," Lacson said.
Under the measure, the anti-terrorism council "cannot exercise judicial or quasi-judicial powers," Lacson said.
"The ATC's power is limited to administrative. They can coordinate with AMLC (Anti-Money Laundering Council) for the freezing of assets of such terrorist organization or person designated by the UN or another jurisdiction," he said.
"The ATC's power is limited to administrative. They can coordinate with AMLC (Anti-Money Laundering Council) for the freezing of assets of such terrorist organization or person designated by the UN or another jurisdiction," he said.
The measure is awaiting transmittal to Malacañang for President Rodrigo Duterte's signature. The Department of Justice has said it would review the bill.
The measure is awaiting transmittal to Malacañang for President Rodrigo Duterte's signature. The Department of Justice has said it would review the bill.
"The DOJ can still interfere by advising the President to veto the bill altogether. This is not a revenue or budget measure. There’s no line item veto here. It’s either the President vetoes the bill in whole or he approves it," Lacson said.
"The DOJ can still interfere by advising the President to veto the bill altogether. This is not a revenue or budget measure. There’s no line item veto here. It’s either the President vetoes the bill in whole or he approves it," Lacson said.
The measure has sparked protests nationwide, with 8 arrested in Cebu for supposedly violating quarantine measures.
The measure has sparked protests nationwide, with 8 arrested in Cebu for supposedly violating quarantine measures.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III earlier defended the measure, saying it has enough safeguards to ensure state forces would not abuse powers granted under the bill.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III earlier defended the measure, saying it has enough safeguards to ensure state forces would not abuse powers granted under the bill.
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