August 4, Tuesday during the Palace Press Briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque defended against the proposal of the Armed forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gilbert Gapay, to include Social Media as part of the Anti-Terrorism Law’s Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR).
He said, under the Anti-Terrorism law it is not mentioned that social media has provisions. It was only an idea given by Gapay. Thus, cybercrime law is not excluded but is a subject of the authority given by the court.
On the other hand, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon gave his thoughts on this matter as “illegal” or “unconstitutional” because it invalidates the people’s freedom of speech.
Until this day there are many petitions opposing the law filed at the Supreme Court due to fear that law enforcers may abuse and use it as a state weapon against dissent.
Regardless of the fact, the President Duterte’s top militaries are in seek of terrorists and terrorist groups like Abu Sayyaf which is the core reason of implementing the Anti-Terrorism Law.