Palparan: Proposed anti-subversion law to have safety nets

MANILA, Philippines – Bantay party list Rep. Jovito Palparan said yesterday that safety measures would be incorporated in his proposal to revive the anti-subversion law to prevent abuses similar to those committed during the martial law years.

“It would include additional safety measures and the language would be more specific,” Palparan told The STAR.

He was reacting to the statement of Senate minority leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. during a forum in Quezon City that the revival of the anti-subversion law is reflective of an outdated mentality towards law and order in a modern democratic society.

Pimentel said Palparan’s proposal poses a clear and present danger to the civil liberties of the people.

Palparan, however, clarified that the new measure would only be directed against people and groups supporting armed struggle in the countryside.

He said that revival of the anti-subversion law would expose members of the House of Representatives supporting armed struggle in the countryside.

“If it’s proven that they are supporting armed rebellion then they have no business in Congress,” he said during a forum in Quezon City. – Perseus Echeminada