CBCP urges Duterte to veto anti-terrorism bill

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is urging President Rodrigo Duterte to veto the anti-terrorism bill due to concerns about its provisions.

The CBCP Committee on Basic Ecclesial Communities specifically cited that the bill may violate citizens' privacy by allowing surveillance of suspected terrorists' communications.

Bishop Patricio Buzon of the Diocese of Bacolod also called on President Duterte to veto the bill, emphasizing the need for wider consultation and expressing concern over endangered rights.

Questionable provisions of the bill include the vagueness of its definition of terrorism, the powers of the Anti-Terrorism Council, and issues regarding judicial determination in making arrests and detention duration.

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) also raised concerns, stating that certain provisions could be unconstitutional despite acknowledging the government's duty to protect the public.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque confirmed that Malacañang has ordered a review of the bill and assured that President Duterte will carefully assess it before making a decision.