Sen. Kiko Pangilinan explains his NO Vote on the Anti-Terror Bill. @senatePH [TeamKiko] 
We thank Senator Ping for his diligence in shepherding this measure, and for his patience in answering all our questions with regard to it.
We recognize the hours of readings, research, and interviews that went in the crafting, sponsorship, and finally defense of the measure.
We recognize the hours of readings, research, and interviews that went in the crafting, sponsorship, and finally defense of the measure.
However, the amendments to the Human Security Act right before us will, among others, allow law enforcers or military personnel to place individuals and organizations under surveillance;
...compel telcos to divulge their calls and messages; arrest these people without warrant; and detain them for an extended period up to 14 days.
The measure also allows regional trial courts to outlaw an organization as terrorist at the requests of even foreign and supra-national jurisdictions. It likewise removes the compensation for persons wrongfully detained.
At a time when legitimate critics and democratic dissent are being silenced, the Human Security Act could be likened to a certain extent the anti-subversion law during martial law, and may be used against opposition senators.
The key facts during the Martial Law era reinforce the well-founded fear of opposition leaders today of being persecuted under the Human Security Act, especially the current authoritarian climate, and the likelihood that it will be repeated
With an Administration that has jailed an incumbent senator on a case whose key witnesses are convicted drugs lords, that has expressly admired the late dictator...
... that has repeatedly warned about imposing martial law all over the country, that has in fact imposed martial law in Mindanao under questionable constitutional grounds and not “in case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it”.
These instances are more than simply déjà vu, they are more like foreboding.
The proposed new definition of terrorism is too vague and encompassing, making it open to abuse in that the simplest mobilization or common crimes as acts of terrorism.
Ang batas, dapat proteksyon ng mamamayan. Proteksyon sa mga pagmamalabis at maling paggamit dito. Kaya kapag nagkamali sa pagpapatupad nito, dapat may managot, para hindi na maulit, para hindi na abusuhin ang batas, para hindi pagmalabisan ang karaniwang tao.
Dahil sa karaniwang taong walang poder at walang kapit, terror ang batas.
Without respect for rights, there can never be security. Kung walang paggalang sa karapatan, walang security.
Respectfully, I vote no to the Human Security Act.
Without respect for rights, there can never be security. Kung walang paggalang sa karapatan, walang security.
Respectfully, I vote no to the Human Security Act.
