DOJ will make sure safeguards are in the anti-terror law

June 9, 2020

The Department of Justice (DOJ) will make sure that safeguards are in place when it issues implementing rules and regulation once President Rodrigo Duterte signs the Anti-Terrorism Bill into law.

The bill was signed by Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano Monday night and sent to the Office of the President Tuesday.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said they will address the concerns of those opposing the Anti-Terrorism Bill to prevent abuse of the law.

“Should the ATB be enacted into law, the DOJ will endeavor to define more clearly, in the IRR that the ATC ( Anti-Terrorism Council) and the DOJ will be tasked to promulgate, the parameters within which the law will be implemented and enforced, in order to erase any latitude for misapplication or abuse,” Guevarra said in a text message to reporters.

While the Office of the President has not given them time to submit their comments, Guevarra said they will submit their comments in 15 days starting Tuesday.

“Assuming that the OP has received the enrolled Anti-Terror Bill today, we expect to immediately receive a letter requesting the DOJ to submit its comments on the bill. As in the past, we shall focus on issues of constitutionality,” he said.

“Our deadline will be set by the OP, but I believe that 15 days will be good enough. The President has 30 days to act on the bill. Our comments will be submitted to the OP and these will be incorporated in the memo for the President,” Guevarra added.

Guevarra said even if he is a member of the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC), it would not affect the independence of the DOJ’s National Prosecution Service (NPS) in hearing terrorism-related complaints.

Guevarra explained he does not participate in the investigative process, but he exercises the power of review. DMS