Barbers: Anti-terror bill faces no hitch in the Senate

The principal sponsor in the Senate of the proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill sees no hitch in its expeditious passage.

Sen. Robert Barbers, chairman of the committee on public order and illegal drugs, said yesterday he expects the early approval of the measure which he added would contribute to government efforts to attract foreign investors and tourists.

"Once we pass this bill in record time, it will be the best signal we would give the international community that we are serious in our efforts to arrest and prosecute terrorists and criminals, like kidnappers and extortionists," he said.

Barbers was commenting on the prediction of his colleague, Sen. Aquilino Pimentel, that the proposed anti-terror bill would face rough sailing because some provisions would infringe on fundamental human rights.

He assured Pimentel and other colleagues that the measure "would empower the state to comprehensively respond to terrorism and, at the same time, protect the human rights of Filipinos."

He said once the government is able to do this, the country would hopefully no longer be the subject of travel advisories counseling foreigners not to visit the Philippines.

"Congress can help the business and tourism sectors by enacting this legislation." Barbers added. – Jess Diaz