The Philippines’ Anti-Terrorism Bill is now in the hands of President Duterte, as the signed final copy from the Senate and the House of Representatives has reached Malacañang.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III and House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano signed the final copy getting its approval on the final reading from both houses of Congress.
President Duterte earlier certified the bill as urgent, which is a repeal of the Human Security Act of 2007. Under the newly proposed law, the government will be given more surveillance powers to track down suspected terrorists who can now be detained without a warrant of arrest for up to 14 days, which can be extended as required for another 10 days.
The proposed law defines a terrorist as a person who participates in any activity which endangers a person’s life, causes damage or destruction to a government facility or private property, develops or possesses explosive devices or weapons, or releases any weapon of mass destruction.
Individuals who threaten to commit terrorism or incite others to do the act face penalties as well as imprisonment for up to 12 years.
Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque assured the public that the bill will be subject to a final review before President Duterte signs the law which has been pending in Congress since 2018.
