MANILA, Philippines — Chief Presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo on Friday said he recommended the signing of the proposed amendments to the country’s anti-terrorism law to President Rodrigo Duterte. The anti-terrorism bill awaits the President’s signature after it was transmitted by Congress to Malacañang on June 9. He could also let the proposed measure lapse into law after 30 days of receipt without signing it. While the measure is seen to toughen up the country’s anti-terrorism law, several groups and lawmakers expressed concern that it would be “abused” to crackdown on dissent. We, therefore, ask them to study its provisions carefully and discuss the same with legal experts so they can understand fully the spirit of the bill,” Panelo added.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer June 12, 2020 06:22 UTC