The reason why I supported the Anti- Terrorism Bill.
The Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has signed the law passing The Republic Act No. 11479 or known as the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 on July 03, 2020.
The new Bill are receiving different opinions from lots of law experts and Filipino citizens. Over the couple of months, the issue on passing the new law is still a hot topic especially for the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) as they recognise this as a threat to every people in the country.
Lots of experts are taking this as a step to bring back the dictatorship in the country and no one would want the history of Martial Law to be repeated.
What is really the Anti-terrorism Bill?
The new law is only intended for preventive measurements, prohibition and to give penalisation to any terrorism in the country.
This was meant to distinguish or to lessen the criminality rate and any possible terror attacks in the country.
Study shows that the criminality rate has been down to almost 50% since the lockdown on March 2020 was implemented. However, a threat of attacks especially against the Philippine Government has risen due to the pandemic and its impact to society.
Why am I supporting the New Bill?
As stipulated on the Fact Sheet of the Bill, its objective clearly defines the crime of terrorism in order to make the law MORE RESPONSIVE to the threats of terrorism that constantly evolve in our fast-changing environment. Likewise, it aims to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to survey and prevent acts of terrorism, and to prosecute those who commit these acts.
I am of the belief that the proposed Bill is not against activists who want to express their criticisms against the government or campaigns for government reforms. I promote activism, idealism and freedom of expression because the State upholds the basic rights and fundamental freedom of the people as enshrined in the Constitution and these rights are protected in Article III of our Philippine Constitution or the Bill of Rights.
As I said the target of this Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 are violent extremists whose intention is to cause death, extensive damage and destruction to our public facilities and properties that definitely cause massive threat to the Philippine government.
There are several safety measures/provisions in the law, such as a constituted joint congressional oversight committee to oversee the status and implementation of the law; as well as Anti-Terrorism Council to summon law enforcement of irregularities on its implementation.
There would be protection of most Vulnerable Groups such as women, elderlies, persons with disability and others.
We also have the Human Rights Commission to investigate violations of civil and political rights of persons identified as Terrorists;
I agree and voted yes for its approval for national and local view. Though extremists in my Province of Biliran is low, this will prevent such terrorism acts to penetrate my beloved province.
Will this work?
Anti-terrorism bill would be most beneficial in the a place where a groups of people that are called "Rebelde" or someone who are against the Government that were rampaging especially in Mindanao and wrecking havoc in some areas.
This implementation will also lessen the criminality rate in areas with high crime volume such as Quezon, Manila and Cebu City.
Women and children will have more security against any threats and this will probably make the people to be confident wherever they will be.
Is this really a threat to everyone?
Actually, it is a Yes and No answer.
Yes, if you have any plan to harm anyone and do damages and destruction to any public facilities and properties or make any actions that would go against the Government.
And No, simply if you are just a simple citizen that doesn't want to do something or go against the Government and following the implemented rules.
Conclusion
The Government are making every possible ways for the country to maintain its peace. Every Bill that were passed were studied and discussed thoroughly by the Lawmakers on implementing it in the best way. We just have to be a citizen in our country the way we should be.
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