The controversial Anti-Terrorism Bill was received by Malacañang on Tuesday, and ready for signing by the president.
It was Senate President Vicente Sotto III who announced that the Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, and the Office of the President have received the emailed copy of the bill.
This happened despite several House lawmakers sent intentions to withdraw their authorship and affirmative votes even after it was approved on final reading.
Sotto said he and House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano have signed the final copy of the proposed bill.
“A bill passed by both Houses of Congress already enrolled and yet some congressmen would like to hold it? It has never been done,” Sotto maintained.
Under House rules, reconsideration of a bill can only be done during session. Congress adjourned sine die on June 5.
The proposed measure, certified by Duterte as urgent, will repeal the Human Security Act of 2007 by giving more surveillance powers to government forces. The bill contains provisions that are being questioned for their constitutionality.
Retired Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said the constitutionality of certain provisions can immediately be questioned in the Supreme Court once Duterte signs the bill it into law.
