MUST READ: Lacson wants drug suspects wiretapped

ADS Soon policemen can legally listen to phone conversations of people suspected of having involvement in the illegal drug trade.

Senator Panfilo Lacson has filed a bill seeking to amend Republic Act 4200 or the Anti-Wiretapping Law.

The bill seeks to include suspects in illegal drugs, robbery and coup d'etat who can be wiretapped by law enforcers.

“Wiretapping, though limited in its applications, has been an effective tool by our law enforcement agencies against criminal elements who have wreaked havoc, instability and lack of equanimity in our country to the detriment of many of our peace-loving citizens," Lacson said.

The bill lists the following offenses where law enforcement officers can wiretap through a court order:

• coup d’etat
• conspiracy and proposal to commit coup d’etat
• robbery in band
• brigandage/highway robbery
• violations of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002
• violations of RA 9160 or the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001

"Unfortunately, there are still certain crimes that are not covered under the said exceptional cases, which put not only the lives and property of our people in paramount danger, but also pose a grave threat to our nation’s security," he said.

He added: "The peace-and-order situation in the country gives testament to this fact and thus, it is imperative for us to revisit RA 4200 in order to further enhance its effectiveness."

RA 4200 only allows wiretapping during instances:

• treason
• espionage
• provoking war and disloyalty in case of war
• piracy
• mutiny in the high seas
• rebellion
• conspiracy and proposal to commit rebellion
• inciting to rebellion
• sedition
• conspiracy to commit sedition
• inciting to sedition
• kidnapping
• violations of Commonwealth Act No. 616, which punishes espionage and other offenses against national security

Terrorism and conspiracy to commit terrorism are also included to the list under the Human Security Act of 2007, as long as a written order from the Court of Appeals is present.

Under President Rodrigo Duterte order, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its campaign against illegal drugs.

Based on data from the PNP, a total of 103 drug suspects have been killed in police operations from May 10 to July 3.

Hundreds of drug suspects and users have also surrendered to the authorities following Duterte's declaration of war against drugs.

Source: ( GMA )

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