Bangsamoro gov't appeals to Duterte to veto Anti-Terror bill
By Noreen Jazul
The Bangsamoro government has appealed to President Duterte to veto the Anti-Terrorism Bill.
The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) approved on July 2 Resolution No. 239, “Resolution respectfully appealing to his excellency President Rodrigo Roa Duterto to veto Senate Bill No. 1083 and House Bill No. 6875, the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 to provide Congress the opportunity to review and address the issue of vagueness, overbreadth, and other concerns.”
Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod “Al-Haj Murad” Ebrahim, in his position statement read by Member of Parliament (MP) Mohagher Iqbal during the parliament’s special session on Thursday, expressed fear that the Bangsamoro people would be “among the hardest hit” once the bill passes into law.
“As the leader of a political entity born out of the struggle against injustice and oppression, it is my moral duty to speak out to ensure the measures intended to address terrorism will not be used as a means to subvert the fundamental rights and freedom of individuals in general, and normalize abuse and discrimination against the Bangsamoro, in particular,” Ebrahim said in his letter.
“Once again, incidents of violations of human rights will be on the rise, and the Bangsamoro people, easily labeled as terrorists would again be subject to discrimination and abuse,” he added.
Ebrahim also appealed to the President to "exercise his veto power vis-à-vis the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020."
Ebrahim said the bill raises “alarm and concern” as its definition of terrorism is “overly vague.”
"Other provisions of the bill like surveillance of suspects, interception and recording of communications, and detention without a judicial warrant of arrest, are also alarming," he said.
While the Bangsamoro government agrees with the need to enact a policy framework that “fights the menace of terrorism,” Ebrahim underscored that “fundamental guarantees of liberty and the institutions of democracy must be protected.”
On Thursday, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the bill is already up for final review by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.
"Nailipat na po ‘yan sa tanggapan ni (It's now with the office of the) Executive Secretary for final review. Final approval lang po siguro 'yan ni Executive Secretary at dadalhin na po sa lamesa ni Presidente (I think it just needs the final approval of the Executive Secretary before it reaches the table of the President)," Roque said.
Read more: Terror bill now with ES Medialdea for final review