Palace leaves Human Security Act amendments to Congress

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 26): Palace leaves Human Security Act amendments to Congress

Malacañang on Tuesday said it will leave the proposed amendments to Republic Act (R.A.) 9372 or the Human Security Act (HSA) of 2007 pending at the House of Representatives to the lawmakers.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, a former Congressman, made this remark following concerns raised by an international organization of lawyers and judges as well as opposition lawmakers that proposed amendments to HSA 2007 could give government license to commit human rights violations.

Pangasinan Rep. Amado Espino Jr., a former Philippine Constabulary company commander, introduced these amendments in the House of Representatives to amend the Human Security Act and turn it into a “real anti-terrorism” law.

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) earlier urged the House Committees on Public Order and Safety and National Defense and Security technical working group (TWG) to reconsider its proposed amendments, saying that some amendments are incompatible with international laws and standards.

Some lawmakers, including Kabataan party-list Rep. Sarah Elago, warned that these proposed amendments could result to "normalize the atmosphere of martial law."

Anakpawis Partylist Rep. Ariel Casilao also urged the public to reject the House's proposed amendments.

“Well, iyong paninindigan na ito po daw ay magiging dahilan para labagin ang karapatang-pantao ay galing rin sa Kongresista (Well, this stand that it could be the reason for government to violate human rights comes from the Congress),” Roque said in a press briefing in Davao City.

Roque did not comment on the ICJ’s concerns, saying that it was the job of the Congress in the first place.

“Ang mga amyenda po sa Human Security Act ay trabaho rin ng Kongreso. So hayaan po nating debatehan iyan ng Kongreso dahil iyan naman ang trabaho nila (Making amendments to the Human Security Act is the job of the Congress. So, let’s leave it to them to debate on it because it’s their job),” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1039540