Anti-terror, cybercrime laws protect Filipinos – Go
SEN. Christopher “Bong” Go slammed United Nations Special Rapporteur Irene Khan for urging the Philippine government to repeal the Anti-Terrorism Law of 2020 and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Khan, in a press conference on February 2 to conclude her 10-day Philippine visit, said these “laws of concern” threaten the freedom of expression in the Philippines despite the 1987 Constitution’s guarantee of the right to freedom of expression.
The senator, in a statement on Monday, said Republic Act (RA) 11479, or the “Anti-Terrorism Act,” and RA 10175, or the “Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012,” “protect Filipinos.”
“These laws were passed by the Philippine legislature to address challenges and the threats that we face from terrorism and cybercrime in order to protect our people and promote national security,” Go said.
“These laws are not meant to suppress the freedom of expression of our people, but to protect them from the enemies of the state and the lawless elements who use cyber platforms to spread misinformation, recruit members, plan attacks, and commit crimes,” he said.
Go said Khan should “stop meddling” in Philippine affairs.
“She should focus on her mandate as a UN rapporteur and not take sides with groups or individuals with a political agenda against the government and its policies,” he said. “She should be fair, objective, and respectful in her work, or else she will compromise her credibility and legitimacy as a UN rapporteur.”
The country, he said, has constitutional processes and democratic mechanisms in place to ensure that these laws are implemented with respect for human rights and the rule of law.
“These laws have mechanisms to en- are not abused anyone,” the
Go said that safeguards and sure that they or misused by senator said. if there is a need to amend or repeal any law, the Senate and the House of Representatives have oversight functions to study this possibility when necessary.
He said RA 11479 and RA 10175 were necessary to combat terrorism and cybercrime, which pose severe threats to the Philippines’ national security and public order.