Lorenzana, Esperon assures safeguards in Anti-Terrorism Act

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. have allayed public fears regarding the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, assuring that safeguards are in place to protect civil liberties.

Lorenzana stated that detractors, whom he identified as communist insurgents and their allies, are misinterpreting the bill to instill fear in the public.

He emphasized that the bill underwent lengthy deliberations with all sectors invited as resource persons, ensuring all viewpoints were heard.

Esperon echoed these assurances, stating that law-abiding citizens have nothing to worry about as measures are included to minimize abuses.

Key amendments in the bill include an expanded definition of terrorism, longer detention periods for suspects, and extended surveillance capabilities.

Esperon clarified that wiretapping requires court authorization and that unauthorized surveillance carries a severe penalty.

An Anti-Terrorism Council will be created to oversee prevention programs, combat terrorism, build capacity, and ensure adherence to the law, with the Commission on Human Rights and a Congressional Oversight committee involved in investigations.