Lacson willing to join protests if Anti-Terrorism Law is abused

Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation Chairman Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson assured the public that he will closely monitor the implementation of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 once it becomes a law and call out potential abuses.

"The Anti-Terrorism Bill is the wrong tree to bark at. I vow to join those who are concerned, genuinely or otherwise, about the proposed law's implementation to be as vigilant in monitoring each and every wrongful implementation by our security forces, even to the point of joining them in street protests, just like what I did before during the time of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo," said Lacson who is also one of the bill’s primary authors.

He stressed that the bill contains more than enough provisions against abuse, such as 10-year jail terms and perpetual disqualification from public service for law enforcers who arrest suspected terrorists but fail to immediately inform the nearest judge and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

Lacson further explained that he would lead investigations on potential abuses that go against the legislative purpose of the measure.

"I assure them that I will be the first to stand on the Senate floor and call out those responsible for abuse at the top of my voice in privilege speeches and Senate inquiries, if and when it comes to that, as I have done so before and during this current administration," Lacson said.

"Regarding the abuses, we've seen them, we've investigated them. The cops responsible for the murder of Kian de los Santos were convicted, largely because of our Senate inquiries. We need a tough anti-terror law but with tougher safeguards to fight and defeat both," he continued.