MANILA, Philippines — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is calling for prayers amid the recent signing of the highly controversial Anti-Terror Act of 2020, saying the return of warrantless detention is reminiscent of the arrest, search and seizure orders during martial law. ADVERTISEMENTThe CBCP said Cardinal Bo explained in his letter that the new law poses a threat to the basic freedoms and human rights of the people in Hong Kong and that it potentially undermines their freedom of expression. Like them, we are also alarmed about the recent signing into law of the Anti-Terror Act of 2020,” the CBCP said. The CBCP added that the return of warrantless detention through the anti-terror law reminds of the initial actions of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1972 that eventually led to the fall of democracy and the rise of a dictatorial regime. RELATED STORIESHong Kong security law sends jitters through city’s feisty press45 US lawmakers call for immediate repeal of PH anti-terror lawAntiterror law takes effect today without IRR/MUFRead NextEDITORS' PICKMOST READ

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 19, 2020 12:11 UTC