PNoy will only worsen anti-terror law — Bayan

By ALDWIN QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — The militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said that the proposal of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to amend the anti-terrorism law or the Human Security Act of 2007 (HSA) is a dangerous proposition as this will remove deterrents to human rights violations.

Bayan Secretary-General Renato M. Reyes Jr. said that the proposed amendments seek to give the anti-terrorism law more teeth. He added that law enforcers will be given more leeway to conduct illegal arrests and detentions.

“Aquino seems oblivious to the continuing cases of illegal arrests, torture and other abuses that are being carried out by his law enforcement units,” said Reyes. These were the reactions from Bayan after the Legislative Executive Development and Advisory Council (LEDAC) included the amendments to the HSA on 13 priority measures.

In the amendments, Aquino is proposing that the penalties for law enforcers who commit human rights abuses in the course of implementing the law be lowered. Bayan also said that Aquino is seeking the removal of provisions that demands notifications to persons being subjected to surveillance by state forces.

According to media reports, Aquino after submitting proposed bills to congress was quoted saying “who would want to be slapped with a half million peso daily fine?.” He also said that a law enforcement entity would be frightened to arrest anybody despite strong intelligence.

According to Bayan, the supposed strong penalties for abuses were placed because of the poor human rights record of the country. The group explained that the high amount was to act as deterrent to abuses. Different groups aside from Bayan alleged the HSA could be used for human rights violations and place anybody under surveillance indiscriminately.

Reyes questioned the timing of Aquino’s proposal. Is it to prove to the US that the Philippines is worthy of receiving more military aid? Is this specifically timed for the 10th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks? Why is this even a priority now when the country is faced with far bigger problems?” Reyes asked.

Under the law, Bayan said that the definition of “terrorism” is not clearly defined. He said that section 3 of the terror law explains “terrorism” as an act of “sowing and creating a condition of widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace in order to coerce the government to give in to an unlawful demand.” According to Bayan, the parameters or what constitutes this vague and loosely defined crime of “terrorism” will eventually be determined by Malacañang.

The group urged the Department of Justice, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and the Commission on Human Rights to oppose the proposed amendment to the HSA. Bayan also said that they are expecting stronger opposition and actions from human rights advocates in the house of Congress.

In 2007, Bayan with other organizations questioned the HSA before the Supreme Court. The SC denied the petition of the groups saying that no actual injury was inflicted on the pettitioners. #nordis.net