Double Benefit: Lacson Bill on PNP Rank Classification Signed into Law

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BATAS NA! RA 11200 provides rank classification for the Philippine National Police. Image courtesy PNP Facebook page

Filipinos stand to benefit twofold from a new law authored by Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson that provides for rank classification in the Philippine National Police.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11200, which standardizes the way PNP officers are called, into law last Feb. 8.

“This measure eliminates confusion on how our law enforcers must be addressed, and brings our policemen closer to the populace. More importantly, this allows for better coordination between the PNP and other law enforcement units in countering terrorism and other threats to national security,” said Lacson, who headed the PNP from 1999 to 2001.

Related: Ping: Tapos na ang Kalituhan ng Publiko sa Ranggo ng Pulis, Militar
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Senate Bill 2204: Let Us Toughen the Fight Against Terrorism

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“Why condemn if we could act? Let us toughen the fight against terrorism.” – Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson, in his sponsorship speech for Senate Bill 2204 (Anti-Terrorism Act of 2019), Feb. 6, 2019.

Related: Sponsorship Speech for the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2019
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Sponsorship Speech for the Anti-Terrorism Act (17th Congress)

At the outset, let me state here and now with certainty that a vote for the immediate passage of this measure is a vote for the immediate lifting of Martial Law in Mindanao.

Mr. President, fellow members of this august chamber, I have the honor to report on the Senate floor Senate Bill No. 2204 entitled, “An Act Amending Certain Provisions of Republic Act No. 9372, Otherwise Known As “An Act To Secure the State and Protect our People from Terrorism,” as embodied in Committee Report No. 638 in substitution of Senate Bill Numbers 1134, 1396, 1715 and 1956.

Related: Senate Bill 2204: Let Us Toughen the Fight vs Terrorism
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Ping: Social Media, Online Remittance Inaaral na Isama sa Anti-Terror Law

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Dahil posibleng nagagamit na rin ang mga social media platforms sa paghahasik ng terorismo, pinag-aaralan ng Senado kung mapapabilang na ang mga ito sa mga babantayan ng pamahalaan.

Sa pagdinig ng Senate Committee on Public Order and Illegal Drugs sa panukalang mas pinatapang na Anti-Terror Law, isiniwalat ni Senador Panfilo Lacson, chairman ng naturang komite, na inaaral nila kung tututukan ang “socmed” accounts na ginagamit para palaganapin ang terorismo.

“We must be clear. The state must take immediate action in the exercise of its police powers to address the threat of terrorism,” paliwanag ni Lacson.

Nguni’t tiniyak ng mambabatas na kung matutuloy ito, hindi nito babanggain ang kalayaan ng pamamahayag sa ilalim ng ating Saligang Batas.

“This is in the context of the state dealing with terrorism, and as such it needs immediate action in the exercise of its police powers to abate terrorism,” ani Lacson.

Related: Lacson Panel Studies Including Abuse of Social Media, Money Transfer in Anti-Terror Act Coverage
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Lacson Panel Studies Including Abuse of Social Media, Money Transfer in Anti-Terror Act Coverage

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Harsh penalties may await not just those who directly commit terrorist acts, but also those who abuse social media and money transfer services to further terrorist ends.

Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson said Tuesday they are studying the inputs on the issues, which were raised at a Senate hearing on anti-terrorism legislation.

“We must be clear. The state must take immediate action in the exercise of its police powers to address the threat of terrorism,” said Lacson, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs that headed the hearing.

But he stressed they will make sure such provisions do not violate the Constitutional rights to freedom of speech and freedom of expression.

“This is in the context of the state dealing with terrorism, and as such it needs immediate action in the exercise of its police powers to abate terrorism,” Lacson said.

Related: Ping: Social Media, Online Remittance Inaaral na Isama sa Anti-Terror Law
Continue reading “Lacson Panel Studies Including Abuse of Social Media, Money Transfer in Anti-Terror Act Coverage”