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Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Anti-terror act to be signed into law Tuesday
MANILA -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will sign the anti-terrorism bill into law Tuesday, even as Malacañang allayed fears it would not be used to violate human rights.
Arroyo will sign the bill, which will be called Human Security Act, at 2:30 p.m. in the Rizal Hall (Ceremonial Hall) in the presence of its authors and other stakeholders.
Pinoy Votes: Sun.Star Election 2007
The bill was approved during the two-day special session called for by Arroyo last February 19 and 20.
The bill excludes military personnel from implementing or enforcing its provisions. Also, the bill provides that implementation of its provisions would be suspended two months before and one month after any election.
Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said the bill had been "sufficiently discussed" in the Senate and those who expressed apprehension about human rights violations have been allowed to insert safeguards in the measure.
Bunye said Arroyo would not veto any provision, and added that there is no more time to insert changes. He pointed out that the House of Representatives adopted the Senate version en toto just to pass the bill before the special session ends.
"I believe the final version is still acceptable. It's not the perfect bill we originally envisioned but it is acceptable," added Bunye, who is also Presidential spokesman.
Arroyo, following the ratification of the measure by Congress, said the anti-terrorism bill "is a potent weapon and armor" to shield both the people and the economy from the global terrorism scourge. (JMR/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Cebu. (March 6, 2007 issue)
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