Malacañang assures anti-terror act won't be used vs govt critics

Malacañang on Wednesday allayed fears that the anti-terrorism law will be used against critics of President Arroyo once it is enforced on Sunday amid criticisms that it is meant to quell dissent against her administration.

In a statement, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said the Human Security Act is meant to restore peace in provinces "where tourism and commerce are held hostage to the evil designs of terrorists."

"A single strike of a terrorist costs millions of pesos in lost lives, damaged properties, and fear that keep investors, tourists, and other foreign guests away. The cost is simply too high for us to maintain a status quo where deterrence, protection and justice are not strong enough to ensure our people's safety," the press secretary said.

He said criticisms from the opposition and civil society groups are part of the "spirit of democracy," which the administration commits "to nurture and uphold."

"Rather than criticizing government for lapses in a law that has yet to be implemented, let us join hands in fighting terror," he added.

The act was signed by Mrs. Arroyo in March to bring the country in line with its Southeast Asian neighbors in battling Islamic militants, as Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) extremists increasingly forge links with its Filipino counterparts especially the Abu Sayyaf.

Mrs. Arroyo has said the law would give the Philippines "preemptive capability" to check the movement of arms and funds that finance terrorism.

The law is the first in the Philippines specifically to address terrorist offenses, defining terrorism as a criminal act that "causes widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace."

The passage of the law was praised by the United States and Australia, the Philippines' staunchest anti-terror allies.

But rights groups fear the law could be abused by military and police authorities eager to protect Mrs. Arroyo from her political opponents.

The influential Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines led the criticisms as it urged the government to review the controversial anti-terror law. The CBCP, whose comments on issues help shape public opinion in this majority Catholic country, warned that the law could be abused.

Mrs. Arroyo's popularity remains low after she survived two impeachment bids in Congress over allegations of vote fraud.

There have also been widespread street protests in the past year demanding she step down.

Rights groups have raised a number of questions about the law, including a provision that lets police detain someone, on mere suspicion, for up to three days.

The law also gives authorities the green light to use surveillance, wiretapping and seize assets.