Ex-SC Chief Justice Sereno questions anti-terror bill

Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno stated that it is "the most unfortunate of times" to pass the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

She urged lawmakers to ask and answer critical questions about the nation's survival and the future of freedoms under the proposed law.

Sereno believes it is an inopportune time to pass the bill without clear answers to these fundamental issues.

Her statement aligns with warnings from lawyers' groups that the bill could be used against dissenters and activists, potentially exacerbating impunity.

The House of Representatives approved the anti-terror bill on its third and final reading with a vote of 173-31-29.

Human rights lawyers and civil society groups have intensified their campaign against the bill, which broadens the definition of terror and punishes related offenses.

Lawyers are concerned that the bill could target activists and repress dissent, especially given recent indictments of critics.