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.

THE REST

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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