DUTERTE SIGNS ANTI-TERRORISM BILL
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the anti-terrorism bill into
law, days after the Department of Justice and the Office of the Chief
Presidential Legal Counsel submitted their recommendations on the proposal,
which human rights groups warn could lead to abuse by security forces.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque confirmed this in a text message to
Philstar.com.
In a separate statement, Roque said Duterte signed the Anti-Terrorism Act of
2020 on Friday.
“As we have said, the President, together with his Legal Team, took time to
study this piece of legislation weighing the concerns of different
stakeholders,” Roque said.
At least three legal offices sent their review to the Palace: Chief
presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo said his office recommended the
signing of the bill, while the Integrated Bar of the Philippines—the
national organization of lawyers in the country—urged Duterte to veto it,
citing constitutional infirmities in the legislation.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra kept his departmentÂ’s review of the bill
largely private, with an assurance that the Philippine Constitution was used
as their parameters in looking into the bill.
Duterte signed the Anti-Terrorism Law of 2020 as the country struggles to
contain the deadly coronavirus. On the same day that the contentious bill
was signed, health authorities recorded the highest spike in new cases as it
logged 1,531 infections, pushing national tally to 40,336.
But Roque said: “Terrorism, as we often said, strikes anytime and anywhere.
It is a crime against the people and humanity; thus, the fight against
terrorism requires a comprehensive approach to contain terrorist threat.”
Congress sent the enrolled, or final, version of the bill to Malacañang on
June 9, giving the president 30 days to approve or veto it. Duterte
certified the bill urgent, prompting the House of Representatives to
fast-track passage of the bill, which it had copied from the Senate version,
making a veto unlikely.
The Concerned Lawyers for Civil Liberties (CLCL) has expressed opposition to
the bill, saying it is "antithetical to human rights and democracy in the
Philippines."
The group of veteran rights lawyers, led by Dean Chel Diokno, said the bill
contains unconstitutional provisions that also "weaken protections against
abuse and misuse."
The National Union of People's Lawyers, meanwhile, said it "contains
imprecise and poorly worded provisions on the definition of ‘terrorist
act,’” as it seeks to criminalize “threats to commit, planning to commit,
conspiring and prosing...the vague concept of ‘terrorist acts."
The Department of the Interior and Local Government, the department that the
Philippine National Police is part of, has said that, despite concerns
raised by lawyers, human rights workers, academics, and business groups, the
anti-terrorism bill will not be used to silence dissent.
OPPOSITION LAWMAKERS SAY READY TO QUESTION ANTI-TERROR LAW BEFORE SUPREME
COURT
MANILA - Opposition Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan and House Assistant
Minority Leader France Castro on Friday said they were ready to question the
constitutionality of the newly-signed Anti-Terror Law before the Supreme
Court.
Pangilinan, one of only 2 senators who opposed the passage of the bill in
the Senate, said he was "not surprised" that President Rodrigo Duterte
signed it into law despite several groups calling for the junking of the
measure.
"Dapat ibasura ang walang kwentang batas na ito at handa tayong kwestyunin
ang Constitutionality ng batas na ito sa Korte Suprema," Pangilinan said in
a statement.
"From Day 1 this Administration unleashed draconian and authoritarian
measures as a showcase of its brand of leadership," he said.
"These draconian measures, however, have been exposed as nothing more than a
show of senseless, mindless violence as means to sow fear amongst the
people," he said.
The senator said the Anti-Terror Law is similar to the Duterte
administration's intensified campaign against illegal drugs, the martial law
in Mindanao, and Luzon's recent lockdown, in the sense that these policies
all "miserably failed" to address the problems it ought to solve.
Pangilinan has yet to explain which provisions of the new law would be
raised before the high court, but noted that the Anti-Terror Law should be
junked.
"This law, with its vague and unconstitutional provisions, will provide
government with fearsome legal tools to oppress and silence those who speak
out and resist the injustices, the violence and the corruption of those in
power," Hontiveros added.
Castro, who represents ACT Teachers Party-list in the House of
Representatives, said her group would also question the law before the high
court.
"Duterte just signed a death warrant to the human rights of every man,
woman, and child in the Philippines," she said.
Critics have warned of certain provisions in the law, including allowing
detention without charges of up to 24 days and vague definitions of acts
that qualify as terrorism, among others.
'DRACONIAN': GROUPS CONDEMN ANTI-TERROR LAW SIGNING, VOW TO CHALLENGE
MEASURE
MANILA - International and local rights groups on Friday condemned President
Rodrigo Duterte's signing of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, warning that
the human rights situation in the Philippines could worsen even as some
vowed to fight the legislation.
"By signing the anti-terrorism bill into law, President [Rodrigo] Duterte
has pushed Philippines democracy into an abyss. The law threatens to
significantly worsen the human rights situation in the Philippines, which
has nosedived since the catastrophic “war on drugs” began 4 years ago," said
Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director of Human Rights Watch.
The New York-based group said the law would allow "systematic targeting"
against political critics, opponents and civilians "who dare to speak out."
Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific Director Nicholas Bequelin said the law
is a "new weapon to brand and hound any perceived enemies of the state."
Meanwhile, the National Union of People's Lawyers (NUPL) said it would
exhaust efforts to challenge this "draconian law" before the high court.
"This without doubt is the most unpopular and perilous piece of legislation
that could ever be pushed by a government that is fixated with the potion of
power," the group said.
Human rights group Karapatan said it would "exhaust all means and platforms
to challenge" the law as it condemned Duterte's signing of the
counterterrorism bill as an "all-out crackdown on dissent."
Its authors have, meanwhile, said the law has enough safeguards to protect
against possible abuse.
DUTERTE: EXPECT FAIR INVESTIGATION, TRUTH TO COME OUT IN SOLDIERSÂ’ KILLINGS
IN SULU
MANILA-- President Rodrigo Duterte vowed on Friday a full investigation into
the killing of four soldiers by police officers in Jolo, Sulu, as he tried
to ease tensions between the military and the police force.
Duterte visited soldiers in Zamboanga City to assure them of an impartial
investigation into the incident that has marred ties between the military
and the police.
"There is an investigation and I am giving you my word of honor that the
investigation will proceed to find out the truth unfettered, unbridled by
anybody," Duterte said in a speech.
" 'Yung totoo lang. 'Yun ang maasahan niyo. Kung sinuman ang may kasalanan,
then he has to pay for it."
Friday's trip was Duterte's first speaking engagement in front of a crowd
since the government imposed a lockdown in March.
The National Bureau of Investigation is studying the case that police
initially labeled as a "misencounter."
Duterte recognized that the incident may have caused "animosity" between the
Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines but urged
both parties to "keep our silence" until the NBI releases the results of the
investigation.
The President said he wouldn't stop soldiers from retaliating, but said they
should think of the consequences.
IATF ALLOWS MORE ACTIVITIES UNDER GCQ
MANILA — As part of the gradual reopening of the economy after almost four
months of lockdown due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic,
the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases approved
on Thursday the revival of more activities.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said yesterday that beauty salons and
barber shops can now offer pedicure and manicure services.
The IATF also approved the training of professional basketball and football
teams, as requested by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Games
and Amusement Board (GAB).
“The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) shall issue the guidelines that
would govern the gradual resumption of other services normally provided by
these amendments, to the extent allowed by the minimum public health
standards,” the IATF said in its resolution.
IATF Resolution No. 51 also approved the recommendation of the Department of
Tourism (DOT) and DTI to allow travel agencies under Category IV to resume
operations in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ).
“Provided that the operation shall be limited to skeletal workforce and
primarily to do administrative works such as the processing of refunds and
payments to suppliers,” the IATF said.
The IATF also gave the go signal to the PSC-GAB-DOH joint administrative
order to issue guidelines on health-enhancing physical activities and sports
during the COVID-19 pandemic.
IATF said that religious gatherings in areas under GCQ shall be allowed up
to 10 percent of seating capacity, or up to 10 persons whichever is higher,
after July 10.
“Provided that religious gathering shall be limited to the conduct of
religious worship and/or service,” the IATF said. “Provided further, that
there is no objection from the local government unit where the religious
gathering may take place.”
PALAWAN TO KICK OFF GRADUAL REOPENING WITH ‘DRY-RUN’ IN EL NIDO RESORTS
MANILA — Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat on Friday said that the
island of Palawan will reopen tourism gradually and will begin with a
dry-run reopening, particularly in El Nido resorts.
In a virtual press briefing, Puyat said there this dry-run will be conducted
“as soon as possible” this month.
“That’s why Mayor Edna Lim allowed El Nido resorts because traveling there
can be done on a point to point basis,” Puyat said in Filipino. This resort
is located near the El Nido Airport.
El Nido recorded highest tourist arrivals in all towns of Palawan and was
recently named as one of the top 50 best solo travel destinations in the
world.
Puyat flew to El Nido Friday to hold a dialogue with local officials and
tourism stakeholders and discuss how they would restart tourism in the
province ahead of its reopening.
She said that aside from the recovery of tourism, they also discussed the
carrying capacity of the tourist destinations to prevent “overtourism.” This
is part of its preparation to reopen “slowly but surely.”
The tourism chief said that unlike Boracay which only opened for tourists
from Western Visayas, El Nido will receive tourists from any areas under the
modified general community quarantine, provided that they underwent reverse
transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test from Department of
Health-accredited detection facility and is cleared of COVID-19.
She said that tourists will shoulder the expense of this test. However, she
said that the Inter-agency Task Force for COVID-19 is working on shouldering
the RT-PCR tests of tourist workers.
Puyat said the dry-run inter-town crossing, which include boat and van
rides, is still now allowed.
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LAWMAKER FILES VIRTUAL MARRIAGE BILL
MANILA — A lawmaker has filed a measure that seeks to allow virtual
marriage with the use of video, audio and data transmission devices.
Kabayan party-list Rep. Ron Salo filed House Bill 7042 seeking to allow male
and female spouses to be wed while they are in the same location but the
presence of the solemnizing officer would be remote or virtual.
“Since the start of the pandemic, we are moving into new normal ways of
living through use of technology. Congress and the Supreme Court have
adopted videoconferencing. I suppose our law governing solemnization of
marriage should also adopt to this new normal,” Salo said in an interview
with “The Chiefs” on One News TV5 on Thursday night.
Salo said the essence of the marriage ceremony is the personal appearance of
the parties before the solemnizing officer and their declaration that they
freely and willingly take each other as husband and wife.
SOUTHVILLE 3 IN MUNTINLUPA UNDER 24-HOUR ‘CURFEW’
MUNTINLUPA — A neighborhood in Muntinlupa City will be placed under a
24-hour “curfew” for 14 days amid the spike in the number of coronavirus
disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
Authorities will implement the curfew in Southville 3, one of the largest
communites in Barangay Poblacion, beginning today until July 17.
Barangay captain Allen Ampaya signed Resolution 29, imposing the measure to
curb the transmission of COVID-19.
The city government clarified that the curfew is not a lockdown.
Based on city health office data, 32 cases of COVID-19 were recorded in
Southville 3 as of July 2.
Residents would not be allowed to go out of their homes, except for
emergencies and essential travel.
BAGUIO LIFTS LIQUOR BAN AFTER PROFITEERING REPORTS
MANILA — Baguio City on Friday lifted its 3-month ban on liquor after
reports that some businesses allegedly continued to sell alcoholic drinks at
higher prices.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, in an executive order, said the ban was
lifted "to deter this form of profiteering." He also noted that the city has
been placed under modified general community quarantine, the least stringent
lockdown level.
However, bars, nightclubs and other establishments whose principal line of
business consists of the sale of alcoholic beverages will remain closed, he
said.
"Permitted food establishments shall mean those who serve liquor as a
necessary incident to dining, and who have secured a separate license to
sell, dispense, and serve liquor," read Magalong's order.
Consumption of alcohol is also prohibited in public places like parks,
sidewalks, alleys, waiting sheds, and storefronts, said the mayor.
Baguio, famed for its cool weather and tourist spots, banned alcohol last
April 7 as part of efforts to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
COPS WITH COVID BREACH 800
MANILA — The number of police officers infected with the coronavirus
disease 2019 or COVID-19 is now 801.
The Philippine National Police said 47 more PNP personnel tested positive
for the virus based on results released yesterday.
PNP data shows that 386 or 48.18 percent of the infected personnel have
recovered. The death toll remains at nine.
At least 1,241 other police personnel who manifested symptoms or had
interacted with COVID-19 patients are being monitored.
BASILAN SOLDIER, PARAMILITARY TROOPS KILLED IN ‘PERSONAL GRUDGE’ SHOOTING
MANILA — A total of four were killed in a Friday evening shooting in Basilan
province, including one soldier and at least two members of the military
auxiliary Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU), while four others
were wounded, according to initial military reports.
The incident which occurred outside a military detachment in the
municipality of Tipo-Tipo allegedly involved members of a local Barangay
Peacekeeping Action Team helmed by Karim Manisan.
Among the identified victims is Private First Class Mark Anthony Monte from
the said military detachment in Barangay Bohe-Lebbung.
"Per initial inquiry/investigation conducted by the troops in the area, the
motive which led to the shooting incident is a personal grudge between
[Monte] and [Manisan]," according to Joint Task Force Basilan.
“[A] few moments before the incident, [Monte] was invited by [Manisan] at
his house, more or less 120 meters away from the detachment, when [MonteÂ’s]
group was fired upon by the group of [Manisan]."
EXPECT RAINS ACROSS PHILIPPINES DUE TO ITCZ THUNDERSTORMS
Two weather systems will bring rains across the country on Saturday,
according to the state weather bureau.
An inter-tropical convergence zone or band of clouds will bring cloudy skies
with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms over the Zamboanga peninsula,
Northern Mindanao, Western Visayas, and Mimaropa, said PAGASA weather
forecaster Raymond Ordinario.
Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to
cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers due to localized thunderstorms, he
told ABS-CBN's TeleRadyo.
ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
LIZA SOBERANO SURPRISES FANS WITH SHORT HAIR
MANILA — Liza Soberano surprised her fans Friday with a new look, sporting
perhaps her shortest hairstyle since her showbiz debut.
Photos of Soberano's fresh cut were posted by Zero One Story, a Korean-owned
hair salon.
Soberano's onscreen and real-life boyfriend, Enrique Gil, similarly got a
trim, going by photos from their hairstylist Dean Kim.
Soberano most recently had long curly locks for her role as Billy in "Make
It With You."
But it appears that since the series' cancellation due to the coronavirus
pandemic, Soberano could now update her look.
The snaps of Soberano quickly circulated among fans of the actress, with
many complimenting her "sophisticated" hairstyle, and some drawing
comparisons with K-drama stars.
SPORTS
COACH TIM CONE IS HERE TO STAY
MANILA — More than three decades after he began his coaching career in the
Philippines, Barangay Ginebra mentor Tim Cone has no plans of going away any
time soon.
Speaking during the recent episode of Tiebreaker Vods' Coaches Unfiltered
podcast, Cone revealed he never once thought about leaving the country to
coach overseas.
Despite being American-born, Cone grew up in the Philippines and has long
been a household name in the country's basketball scene and plans to stay
that way.
"I never really thought about it. I never applied anywhere else. I never
looked to coach anywhere else. I love the PBA," Cone said.
"If Phil Jackson would call me and say, 'come coach the Knicks. Come be an
assistant to the Knicks'. It's something that from a personal stand or a
personal growth stand for I'd have to think about, but no one's ever called
me so there's no reason for me to go anywhere," he added.
First coaching in the country in 1989, Cone has been through a lot of
success in the PBA.
Cone is a 22-time PBA champion as a coach with two Grand Slams with Alaska
and the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers in 1996 and 2014, respectively.
He was also named PBA Coach of the Year three times and was a seven-time PBA
All-Star Game coach.
While his resume with the PBA as a coach is unmatched, Cone also found
success with the national team and added a few more accolades representing
flag and country.
Now aged 62, Cone might have a little more left in the tank and he plans to
use it all up here in the Philippines.
Currently coaching Barangay Ginebra, Cone looks to add more accolades to his
already decorated career.
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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Imagination is more important than knowledge. - Albert Einstein
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