The Commission on Human Rights will get the chance to make sure human rights are not compromised with the signing of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 into law last weekend.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson said this Monday as he noted the Anti-Terror Law is the only law that requires officers to report the arrest of suspected terrorists immediately to the CHR.
“China-challenge ko maski sino mag-cite ng maski anong batas sa Pilipinas na pinasa ng Congress since time immemorial na ang arresting officer nire-require na mag-report in writing sa CHR para inspection-in, imbestigahan, kunin ang records. Wala, ito lang,” he said in an interview on DZBB radio.
He said such a provision was not present in the Human Security Act of 2007, which the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 replaced.
Under the new law, law enforcement officers who arrest a suspected terrorist should immediately report in writing to the nearest court and to the CHR.
Failure to do so may mean 10 years’ imprisonment and the loss of pension and retirement benefits, as well as dismissal from service, and absolute perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
Last weekend, CHR Spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said they will hold on to the government’s commitment that human rights will always be upheld and that the provisions will not be abused once the bill passes into law.
Meanwhile, Lacson belied claims that those arrested wrongly will not have a chance to seek redress against those who arrested them.
“Kung ang aresto mali, mag-file sila ng kaso tapos mag-file ng danyos. Hindi natin inaalis sa Civil Code na arbitrary inaresto nang walang basehan, o kinulong walang basehan, e di mag-file sila ng arbitrary detention or illegal arrest. At mag-file sila ng civil damages,” he said.
He also reiterated claims that mere suspicion can lead to arrest are wrong.
Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)
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