By Jeffrey Damicog
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is expected to scrutinize the Anti-Terrorism bill before President Duterte signs it into law.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra (TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO /MANILA BULLETIN)
“Whenever an enrolled bill is submitted to the President for approval, his office refers the bill to the concerned government agencies for comments,” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra explained on Friday, June 5.
“Then the office of the executive secretary studies and consolidates all comments, and makes the proper recommendation to the President,” he added.
At the moment, Guevarra refrained from making comments concerning the bill until he has been given to a chance to take a closer look.
“The DOJ will give its comments on the enrolled anti-terrorism bill once it is referred to us by the Office of the President upon transmittal by the Congress,” he said.
The Senate version of the bill has already been approved at the third and final reading at the House of Representatives, which voted 173-31 with 29 abstentions.
The bill, which has been certified as urgent by the President, has drawn numerous criticisms as it has been seen as part of efforts to silence government critics.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra (TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO /MANILA BULLETIN)
“Whenever an enrolled bill is submitted to the President for approval, his office refers the bill to the concerned government agencies for comments,” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra explained on Friday, June 5.
“Then the office of the executive secretary studies and consolidates all comments, and makes the proper recommendation to the President,” he added.
At the moment, Guevarra refrained from making comments concerning the bill until he has been given to a chance to take a closer look.
“The DOJ will give its comments on the enrolled anti-terrorism bill once it is referred to us by the Office of the President upon transmittal by the Congress,” he said.
The Senate version of the bill has already been approved at the third and final reading at the House of Representatives, which voted 173-31 with 29 abstentions.
The bill, which has been certified as urgent by the President, has drawn numerous criticisms as it has been seen as part of efforts to silence government critics.