Bukidnon Second District Rep. Atty. Jonathan Keith “John” Flores abstained from voting on HB 6875 otherwise known as the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. Here’s his press statement:

“I have abstained from voting. While I completely understand the need for the bill and while I, without question, agree that the fight against terrorism is crucial, we also need to call a spade a spade.

Our judicial system is, unfortunately, designed in such a way that it is disadvantageous for many who cannot afford proper legal representation.

The anti-terrorism bill is very prone to abuse. The penalties are too extreme. Take the 14-day detention (extendible by another 10 days) without judicial warrant of arrest, for instance. As a lawyer, I cannot agree with this kind of infringement of very basic constitutional rights.

As the voice of the Bukidnon 2nd District, I believe that we need to be more circumspect. Let us fight terrorism while upholding human rights and following due process.”

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• Photo courtesy of Atty. John Flores’ Official Facebook Page

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