Human Security Act not fully suspended during election period – DOJ prosecutor

By Ronron
September 4, 2007

A state prosecutor clarified Tuesday that the Human Security Act (HAS) of 2007, popularly known as the anti-terrorism law, is not fully suspended during election period, as stated in the law itself.

According to Atty. Geronimo Sy, only a certain provision of the law will have “limited application” two months before the election day and one month after it.

“There are two classes of surveillance – one on bank transactions and the other is what we call as electronic surveillance like on mobile phones and computers. That is the aspect (under the law) where there is limited application of the law during the said period,” Sy told reporters at Camp Crame during the weekly media forum of the Philippine National Police (PNP) where he is a guest.

He said the controversial law, which took effect on July 15, cannot be suspended during election period because terrorists could take advantage of it.

“Imagine when an entire voting precinct is bombed on election day?” Sy said.

The country will hold on October 29 barangay elections. Prior to that, the country also held a nationwide, mid-term polls last May 14.

“Certain provisions will be suspended but it does not mean that if you committed a crime under the law, you are exempted… If you committed the crime, you should be punished both under either the Revised Penal Code or the Human Security Act,” Sy said./DMS