Solon bats for antiterror bill

In the wake of terrorist attacks on Marawi and Davao cities, a Manila congressman has pushed for the passage of the Terrorism Deterrence Act, which, among other things, requires the registration of all users of prepaid mobile phones and social media.

“The country and the whole world  are now facing serious terrorist threats which should not be ignored as this would affect our peace and order, economy and political stability,” said Manila Rep. Manuel “Manny” Lopez in a press statement.

Lopez, vice chair  of the house committee on public order and safety, asked the leadership of the House of Representatives to immediately consider the approval of House Bill No. 5382 or the “Terrorism Threat Deterrence Act of 2017.

The  bill seeks  to mandate the cooperation of all telecommunication companies, internet service providers and social media networks in creating an efficient identification mechanism for the deterrence of terrorist activities.

If passed into law, the measure will require all telecommunication companies to have all Filipino prepaid users register their accounts using government-issued identification and a barangay certificate of good moral character.

The Tondo representative emphasized that “this would ensure that all mobile phone users would be identifiable if such means of communication is used in any illegal activity, including terrorism.”