MANILA, Philippines — Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday dismissed concerns of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) that the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) could authorize the arrest of suspected terrorists. ADVERTISEMENTThe IBP had said that the anti-terror bill, which now only awaits President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature before becoming law, contains unconstitutional provisions. But Lacson, one of the main proponents of the bill in the Senate, said the ATC would not be authorized to order arrests. ADVERTISEMENTSenate President Vicente Sotto III, another main proponent of the anti-terror bill, agreed with his colleague and also chided dissenters of the measure. With the enrolled copy of the bill already in the hands of Duterte, calls also mounted for the chief executive to veto the measure.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer June 10, 2020 13:18 UTC