National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. (PNA File photo)
MANILA -- Contrary to some sectors’ claims, the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 does not infringe on civil and political rights.
This, according to National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., during a media briefing held at the Asian Theater, 4th Floor, PIA Building, Visayas Avenue, Quezon City on Monday afternoon.
In fact, protection of these rights are stated in Section 4 of the proposed law, he added.
"Napakaraming safeguards na nandito unang una sa Section 4 dun palang sa definition sinabi na ano konektado sa terorismo, sinabi sa Section 4, shall not include advocacy, protest stoppage of work, and similar mass actions. So naemphasize na kinakailangan na protektahan ang civil and political rights (This law has a lot of safeguards. the very first is Section 4 which defines acts connected with terrorism. Also, Section 4 states that terrorism shall not include advocacy, protest, stoppage of work, and similar mass actions. So this emphasizes that there is a need to protect civil and political rights)," Esperon said.
He assured that the rights of detainees under the proposed law are protected as law enforcers can be penalized by imprisonment of ten years should they be found guilty of violating the prisoners' rights and torturing the latter, and wrongful filing of charges.
Another set of safeguards is the immediate need for the law enforcers to report the arrest of suspected terrorists to the Commission on Human Rights and Oversight Committee, whose members come from Congress, to ensure that due process was observed.
He added that the creation of the proposed Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) will ensure that human rights is protected.
"They will be with us so let us consider them (ATC) as protectors and allies in protecting ourselves," he added.
Esperon said he is least bothered by plans of some groups to challenge the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 before the Supreme Court (SC) on grounds of constitutionality as the ATC, based on some sectors allegations that the law will take the function of the courts once the bill is signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
The ATC has the function of ordering warrantless arrests, the proposed law stated.
"I believe in the credibility and goodness of the Supreme Court. They will always consider what is legally correct and good for the people," Esperon added. (PNA)
