MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte is inclined to sign the controversial Anti-Terrorism Bill into law, his spokesperson Harry Roque said in a television interview Tuesday morning.
Roque revealed in an interview with CNN Philippines’ The Source that the controversial measure is already being reviewed by President Duterte, although there was no timetable when it will be signed.
“Rhetorically, President Duterte said he was waiting for Senator Panfilo Lacson to finish his commas and periods. But the enrolled bill is now on the desk of the President,” Roque said.
“He is taking a final look at it, but I think he’s inclined to sign it,” the Palace spokesperson added.
Roque also noted that President Duterte is likewise waiting for the final review of the Office of the Executive Secretary as well as possible inputs from the Department of Justice, which conducted its own review.
Militant and human rights groups, among others, fear that the Anti-Terrorism Act will be abused and used to go after critics of the government, while Commission on Human Rights called on the bill’s vague definition of terrorism.
Under the anti-terrorism bill, persons who shall threaten to commit terrorism, and those who will propose any terroristic acts or incite others to commit terrorism shall suffer imprisonment of 12 years.
Suspected persons can be detained for 14 days without a warrant of arrest with an allowable 10-day extension. A 60-day surveillance on suspected terrorists can also be conducted by the police or the military, with an allowable 30-day extension./PN
