DOJ confident Duterte will heed comments on anti-terror bill

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra expressed confidence that President Rodrigo Duterte will consider the Department of Justice's (DOJ) comments on the proposed anti-terrorism bill, which has been sent to Malacañang.

The DOJ scrutinized the bill line by line, focusing on significant provisions while considering operational needs and constitutional parameters.

President Duterte had certified the bill as urgent, and it is now up for his signature.

Critics argue some provisions are unconstitutional and could be used against activists, with retired Supreme Court justice Antonio Carpio warning of a situation worse than martial law.

Malacañang assured that the measure will include safeguards against human rights abuses, and violators could face up to 10 years imprisonment.

The bill proposes imprisonment of 12 years for those who threaten to commit terrorism or incite others to do so.