Philippines: House of Representatives passes anti-terrorism bill
On 4 April, the House of Representatives passed the Anti-Terrorism Bill 2005. The proposed law provides that a suspected terrorist can be held for three day before the state must file formal charges. The text also defines terrorism and criminalizes conspiracy to commit terrorism. Amendments to the original bill removed the death penalty as a punishment and included a presumption that demonstrations, rallies and marches are a valid exercise of freedom of assembly and expression.