Congress Adjourns Today; Senate Okays Anti-Terrorism Bill on 3rd Reading Security Legislation Goes to Bicam Panel

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Byline: JUDE C. GALFORD III

In a last-ditch effort to beat a three-month recess of Congress today, the Senate approved on third and final reading the Anti-Terrorism Bill (ATB) yesterday.

It is now ready to be tackled at the Bicameral Conference Committee or bicam where the House and Senate versions will be melded together to form its final version for submission to the President for approval.

With a 16-2 vote, the ATB has finally beaten the odds but not without protracted debates on the floor. Its ratification has been eagerly anticipated by its author, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile.

In an earlier interview, Enrile correctly predicted that the measure …