Sotto says anti-terror bill has been sent to Palace

MANILA. In this file photo, a member of rights group Karapatan holds a "Junk Anti-Terror Bill" placard during a protest action amid the community quarantine. (File Photo)
MANILA. In this file photo, a member of rights group Karapatan holds a "Junk Anti-Terror Bill" placard during a protest action amid the community quarantine. (File Photo)

SENATE President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III on Tuesday, June 9, confirmed that the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act has been forwarded to Malacañang for President Rodrigo Duterte’s approval.

According to Sotto, he and House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano signed the proposed measure Monday evening despite calls to delay its transmission to the Palace.

"Alan signed last night. The bill is on the way to the President this morning," Sotto told reporters Tuesday morning.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, asked about the bill during his virtual press conference Tuesday, said the President has 30 days to review and either veto or sign the measure into law.

The Senate passed its version, Senate Bill No. 1083, in February while the House of Representatives, which adopted the Senate version in full into House Bill No. 6875, approved it on third and final reading on June 3.

The House initially announced the voting results as 173 affirmative votes, 31 negative, and 29 abstentions.

The House corrected these on June 5 to 168 affirmative votes, 36 negative votes, and 29 abstentions.

The measure, which President Duterte certified as urgent on June 1, will repeal and replace the Human Security Act of 2007.

Since the bill’s approval in the lower chamber, several lawmakers have already withdrawn their support for the bill.

Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda on Twitter denied that she is a co-author of the measure.

“Just to clarify, I never signed a co-author form regarding anti terror bill. In fact I voted no to the measure,” she said.

Muntinlupa Representative Ruffy Biazon, who filed the bill in July 2019, also withdrew his support.

The lawmaker was among the representatives who voted no to the proposed measure.

“Ako po ay nananatiling naniniwala na kailangan natin ng isang anti-terrorism bill. Hindi ho lahat ng mga nagsalita laban sa bill na ito ay aking sinasang-ayunan,” Biazon said.

“But as a matter of principle, I believe that the House should come up with an important piece of legislation that is truly the work of the House of Representatives, not just a mere adoption of the other chamber," he added.

The following lawmakers also had their names removed as co-authors of HB 6875: Agusan del Norte Rep. Lawrence Fortun, Biñan City Rep. Marlyn Alonte, Iloilo Rep. Michael Gorriceta, Iloilo City Rep. Julienne Baronda, Ilocos Norte Rep. Ria Fariñas, Manila Rep. Cristal Bagatsing, Quezon City Rep. Anthony Peter Crisologo, Magdalo Rep. Manuel Cabochan III, Magsasaka Rep. Argel Cabatbat, Samar Rep. Sharee Ann Tan and Laguna Rep. Ruth Mariano-Hernandez.

If enacted into law, this measure will allow warrantless arrests of persons suspected of being terrorists. They may be detained for 14 days with an allowable 10-day extension, or up to a total of 24 days without charges.

The bill also penalizes persons who voluntarily and knowingly join any terrorist organization, association, or group of persons with imprisonment of 12 years.

Authorities may conduct 60-day surveillance on suspected terrorists, with an allowable 30-day extension.

To allay concerns of abuse, the Commission on Human Rights will be notified in case of detention of a suspected terrorist. (Jove T. Moya/SunStar Philippines)

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