MANILA — A tougher anti-terrorism bill that will allow authorities to hold suspects without charge for at least 2 weeks violates the Constitution, Vice President Leni Robredo said Thursday.

"It's against the constitution. The constitution specifically states that for warrantless arrest, talagang 3 days lang (it should only be 3 days)," she told ANC.

The proposed law, which President Rodrigo Duterte expedited, had other provisions that are "objectionable because they are bound to be abused," she said.

The measure that is up for Duterte's signature will also let the Philippine government wiretap suspects and arrest them without warrant, among other provisions.

• Duterte backs 14-day detention for terror suspects: Palace

Lawmakers "should be open to amendment" of the bill, said Robredo.

"Dapat siguruhin natin na hindi siya maaabuso," she said.
(We should ensure that it will not be abused.)

• Fear of abuse 'not valid reason' to junk terror bill: Lucy Torres-Gomez

Duterte is "inclined" to sign the bill, his spokesperson Harry Roque earlier said.

ANC, June 25, 2020