The newly implemented Human Security Act faces review as opposition senators expressed yesterday the need to either amend or repeal the law during the opening of Senate sessions yesterday.
Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano said he expects his colleagues from the opposition to get together and move to amend the anti-terror law despite their bickering over the Senate presidency.
Cayetano, Francis Escudero and Jinggoy Estrada voted for Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. while other members of the opposition chose Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr.
Sen. Jamby Madrigal has filed Senate Bill 23 seeking to repeal the HSA. She said the anti-terror law will bring the Philippines back to martial law.
Several petitions have also been lodged before the Supreme Court questioning the law.
Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr., for his part, filed a resolution urging both houses of Congress to convene the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on RA 9372 to oversee its implementation.
The oversight committee will address the fears on possible abuses that law enforcement authorities may commit in implementing the law.
Madrigal said the anti-terror law was probably the most dangerous piece of legislation passed by Congress. – Aurea Calica