JUSTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra has expressed optimism that the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the implementation of the controversial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 will be released within the 90-day period as prescribed by the law.
Guevarra said the justice department together with other agency leaders concerned have started drafting the IRR which will be submitted to the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC).
“The DOJ legal team has started drafting the IRR. We shall consult our law enforcement and military institutions as we go along. We shall also coordinate with intelligence agencies for inputs, then we’ll present an initial draft to the Anti-Terrorism Council for consideration,” Guevarra said.
“I believe we can finish the IRR within the 90-day period provided under the anti-terrorism law,” he added.
Guevarra, however, said it is “too early to say” if the IRR would cover the use of social media.
This was in response to newly appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay’s call for a provisions in the IRR that would regulate the use of social media. Gapay expressed belief that social media is being used by terrorists to radicalize the youth and plan their lawless acts.
The law was signed by President Duterte on July 3 and was published in the Official Gazette on the same day.
It took effect 15 days after, which was on July 18.
More than 20 petitions have also been filed before the Supreme Court seeking to declare the law unconstitutional for being “vague” and “over breadth.”
Those opposing its implementation argued that the definition of terrorism under ATA of 2020 is vague and would allow law enforcers to arbitrarily and selectively enforce the law.