Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Sunday appealed to the public to give the newly-signed anti-terror law or Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 a chance and “not be swayed by misinformation and disinformation.”
He urged the public to read and understand the law, assuring that the government will “strictly implement” the law and it will not be abused.”
“We appeal to the public to give this law a chance and not to be swayed by misinformation and disinformation,” Lorenzana said in a statement.
“We urge everyone to read and understand the law,” he added.
Lorenzana maintained that the measure is “much-needed” as it will give law enforcement agencies the “necessary” power to contain and eradicate terrorists.
“It is a much-needed measure to clothe law enforcement agencies with the necessary power to contain and eradicate terrorists who don’t play by any rules and who hide behind our laws to pursue their evil deeds,” he said.
President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law the Anti-Terror bill despite strong opposition from diverse groups and individuals, warning of possible violations of civil and political rights and the Constitution itself.
Duterte signs terror law amid wide opposition
A group of lawyers and educators has asked the Supreme Court to stop the enforcement of the newly-signed measure, saying it contained provisions that were “repugnant” to the Constitution.
The Calleja Law Firm, led by lawyer Howard Calleja, said the group filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition with urgent prayer for the issuance of a temporary and writ of preliminary injunction and/or other injunctive remedies against the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
Critics ask SC for TRO vs anti-terrorism law, citing ‘repugnant’ provisions