Delfin Lorenzana: Terror bill won't tag peaceful protesters

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana assured that social activists and government critics participating in peaceful mass protests will not be labeled as terrorists under the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

He emphasized that peaceful assembly and protest are protected rights under the Constitution, clarifying that a protest only becomes a concern if it involves the deliberate manufacture of weapons or bombs with intent to threaten people.

Lorenzana also defended the bill's provision to extend the detention period for suspected terrorists from 36 hours to 14 days, arguing that the shorter period is insufficient for thorough investigation and filing charges.

He assured that the measure would not grant law enforcers blanket authority to tag individuals as terrorists and that safeguards are in place to protect citizens' liberties and punish abuses.

The House of Representatives has approved the bill on its second reading, and Senate President Vicente Sotto III stated that the anti-terror bill is "as good as passed."