House panel approves anti-terror bill

After intense debates, the House committee on justice approved late Wednesday the anti-terrorism bill.

Lawmakers finally agreed on the definition of "terrorism" and recommended the substitute bill submitted by Ilocos Norte Rep. Imee Marcos for plenary debates.

The lawmakers agreed that terrorism is defined "when any person or group of persons uses or threatens to use violence principally directed against civilians or non-combatant persons or cause damage or destruction to properties with the intention of creating a state of damage, state of terror, panic or chaos to the public or segment thereof."

The measure also called for life imprisonment and fines as much as P50 million for convicted terrorists.

Marcos earlier complained her proposal was mangled that many inserted provisions defeated the purpose of the bill.

"I’m even happier because more draconian measures were deleted," she said.

Marcos stressed they have to strike a balance between security and safety of the public and human rights. The bill still included wiretapping.

At the Senate, the chairman of the committee on public order, Sen. Robert Barbers announced they are in the final stage of consolidating the several versions of the anti-terror bill for floor deliberation.

Barbers said recommendations of various sectors has been considered in the preparation of the proposed measure.

"What we have is a piece of legislation that will empower the state to vigorously respond to the threat of terrorism, which is now a global concern, but with due regard to basic human rights," he said.