Archdiocese of Manila joins opposition against anti-terrorism bill

The opposing groups against the Anti-Terrorism bill has just gained another voice in their side.

The Archdiocese of Manila in a statement urges President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to veto the said Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, which is now already in Malacanang awaiting for his signature.

They reason out that if the said measure becomes a law, it could turn the government into the very terrorists the proposed law seeks to protect the public from.

(photo credit to owner)

The archdiocese said that it recognizes the government’s responsibility to protect the public from terrorists, but there are "vague, amorphous and deleterious provisions" in the bill that would only "do more harm than good to our people."

"The government should not make as an excuse the upholding of national security while undermining human rights and civil liberties. To do so makes the government terrorist against its own people," the Manila archdiocese said.

The archdiocese further said the bill is "ambiguous and expansive provisions" may be used by overzealous, if not malign, individuals to quell legitimate dissent or criticism.

"Weaponizing this measure to silence critics and detractors will give this government a free pass even for its inefficiency, ineptness and abuses," they said.

"Even if we presume full regularity in the implementation or enforcement of this measure, it is the measure itself that poses grave concerns," they added.

The archdiocese echoes the arguments of retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, who vows to challenge it once signed into a law.

President Duterte has up to July 9 to sign the bill into a law, but recently revealed that it is undergoing review by his legal team amid criticisms from some sectors of society.

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Report from PDI

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