Philippine anti-terror law delayed until June

MANILA, Feb 8 (Reuters) A Philippine anti-terror bill that has languished for years was delayed for at least another four months today despite being adopted by a joint committee of congress because legislators failed to ratify the move.

The committee adopted a watered down version of the bill that provides for detention of suspects without charge, and prescribes up to 40 years imprisonment for anyone convicted. The bill was then sent back to the House of Representatives for ratification, but it could not be passed before the legislature adjourned.

It will not reconvene before June, after congressional elections in May.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said earlier today she was waiting ''pen in hand, at my desk'' to sign the Human Security Act into law.

The Philippines, fighting Muslim insurgents with ties to regional terror network Jemaah Islamiah, has been criticised by its closest security ally, the United States, for having insufficient laws to deal with terrorism suspects.

Under the provisions of the bill, authorities can hold anyone without charge for three days, instead of 15 as proposed earlier.

The Senate, which approved the modified bill yesterday, also prescribed that the law could not be applied two months before and one month after elections.

The Senate said anyone who was wrongfully detained as a terrorism suspect would have to be paid 500,000 pesos per day spent in custody as compensation.

Left-wing groups have said the law could be used by the government to intimidate political opponents.

REUTERS SSC PM1910