By Christina Hermoso The Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP) has joined Church leaders in voicing its apprehension and opposition to the anti-terrorism bill. (Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines / MANILA BULLETIN) In a statement, the AMRSP, which comprises the country’s top Catholic schools and universities said, the bill is “prone to abuse and misuse.” “This bill can be abused to stifle dissent and curtail rights to free speech, to organize and form associations, to peaceable assembly in redress of grievances,” the AMRSP said in a Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines News post. The group cited other pressing matters that should have been prioritized by the government such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the rehabilitation of Marawi, the displacement of communities, among others. “Terrorism is not our immediate concern. Marawi’s rehabilitation and the continued displacement of communities should be our priority. People’s health, safety, and well-being should be first in our agenda,” the AMRSP said. “These are the urgent concerns that we as a people need to address. These are the challenges that government can address by channeling resources for its resolution,” they added. The House of Representatives has approved the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, adopting the Senate version passed in February, that sent the bill straight to President Duterte for signature. Church leaders including San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza and Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes, earlier, expressed concern on the passage of the bill, which the bishops said is “dangerous and prone to abuse.” (Christina I. Hermoso)#