AJLPP Condemns the Passage of the Philippine Anti-Terror Bill

AJLPP Condemns the Passage of the Philippine Anti-Terror Bill

San Francisco- The Alliance for a Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (AJLPP) vehemently condemned the passage of a the anti-terror bill in the Philippine Congress in a special session.

The AJLPP expressed dismay over the ratification that came by way of approval by the House of Representatives of the Senate-amended bill -- called the “Human Security Act of 2007” -- which opponents had warned might be used to repress civil liberties.

The two bills, ratified by voice vote, had been previously approved by the congressional bicameral conference committee. Now, they need only the signature of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to become laws.

Anti Terrorisn Bill (ATB), will become an oppresive law .

AJLPP also scored Rep. Antonio Cuenco of Cebu who defended the antiterrorism bill as having enough safeguards to protect human rights, including a provision for P500,000 compensation for every day a suspect is detained if he is later found to be innocent of the charges against him. AJLPP said; " With representatives like Cuenco and Senators like Pimentel and Joker Arroyo who postures as "human rights lawyer" but will support anti-terror bills like these, who need allies?"

Also, under the measure, journalists cannot be forced to reveal the sources of their information in connection with stories on terrorism.

Meanwhile Bayan Muna party list group believes the definition of terrorism under the bill will make the People Power I and II uprisings in 1986 and 2001, respectively, acts of terror.

“If we consider the capricious and whimsical misinterpretation of laws by the justice secretary, we can be sure that [President] Arroyo’s critics might soon be tagged as terrorists, too, for demanding her resignation or ouster from office,” Bayan Muna said in a statement.

Second blow

The bill was ratified at 7:47 p.m. after Gabriela party-list Rep. Liza Maza raised questions about the quorum and called for the suspension of the proceedings.

With 172 members present after the roll call, the majority imposed its dominance and the ayes carried the day.

Arroyo's International commitment to Bush

“The antiterrorism bill is a commitment by the Philippine government to the international community,” De Venecia said before the session convened.

“The measure is also needed by the police authorities in our commitment to keep our citizens safe from extremists’ activities.”

De Venecia said the Philippines, a key US ally, would face international embarrassment if the law -- intended to strengthen the country’s campaign against terrorists linked to Saudi-born Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaida network -- was not passed.


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