Duterte certifies anti-terrorism bill as urgent

President Rodrigo Duterte certified as urgent a new anti-terrorism bill, aiming to repeal the Human Security Act of 2007 and strengthen the country's capacity to address terrorism.

The House of Representatives has passed the Senate version of the bill on final reading with a vote of 173-31 with 29 abstentions.

The bill expands the definition of terrorist acts and allows for the surveillance of suspects and interception of communications.

It allows for the detention of suspects for up to 14 days, potentially extendible by the Anti-Terrorism Council, and removes the fine for law enforcers who wrongfully detain suspects.

Opponents express concerns that the bill's broad definition of terrorism could be used to suppress dissent and violate human rights, with some stating it overturns the principle of innocent until proven guilty.

Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to combat terrorism, citing the low conviction rate under the current law and the need to avoid being placed on the Financial Action Task Force's gray list.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, a key proponent, stated that the bill adheres to the Bill of Rights and incorporated provisions from anti-terrorism laws of countries like Australia and the United States, with a shorter detention period compared to other nations.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque assured that the bill's certification as urgent does not guarantee automatic signing and will still be evaluated for constitutional compliance.