The ANC Brief: Anti-terror bill transmitted to Palace

The controversial anti-terror bill is on the President’s table as various groups plan more protest actions. Here are the stories making the headlines on ANC today:

Anti-terror bill
The 30-day countdown on the anti-terror bill has started after the measure was transmitted to Malacanang on Tuesday. President Rodrigo Duterte, who initially certified the bill as urgent, has 30 days to sign or veto the measure. If he doesn’t sign or veto the bill in 30 days, it automatically lapses into law. The Department of Justice (DOJ) said it would expedite its review of the bill as the President was expected to ask for recommendations.

Already illegal
The DOJ said existing laws already make faking Facebook accounts illegal. Under laws on identity theft, guilty parties face 6 to 12 years in prison. Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan is pushing for a probe on the dummy Facebook accounts.

Even chance
The number of COVID-19 cases in the country is nearing 23,000.
The government said it was studying the easing of quarantine protocols in Metro Manila. But presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said there was an even chance easing the protocols would happen soon. This despite repeated claims by government that new COVID-19 cases are on the decline. Meanwhile, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry called for the return of public utility vehicles so workers can come to work.

Despite a dispute
Defense officials and reporters were surprised to get welcome text messages from telecommunication companies in Vietnam and China during a visit to Pag-asa island on Tuesday. It was a sobering reminder of the dispute among the countries for control of the islands. The ABS-CBN news team also spotted some Chinese vessels lingering in the area. The officials were in Pag-asa Island to inaugurate a “beaching ramp.” The visit occurred on the occasion of Filipino-Chinese friendship day. Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. extolled the “warm friendship” despite the dispute between the 2 countries. Also, one year ago, a Chinese vessel rammed a Filipino fishing vessel and left the Filipino fishermen in the water.

Loyalty award
In the last 33 years, Erwin Enrico has seen ABS-CBN start from scratch, and face the most terrible challenges. But there were sweet moments in between.