SC to hear suits vs terror law
THE Supreme Court will resume todaythe oral arguments on 37 petitions challenging the constitutionality of Republic Act 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
The proceeding will be done online via videoconferencing.
Justices will continue interpellating government counsels defending the controversial legislation, which was signed into law by President Duterte on July 3, 2020.
Likewise expected to be in attendance is National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., who was told to explain by Associate Justice Rosmari Carandang why the government is “red-tagging” organizers of community pantries.
Community pantries have phenomenally mushroomed across the country in the spirit of ‘Bayanihan’ amid the coronavirus pandemic.
A total of 37 petitions have been filed before the high court challenging the constitutionality, in whole or in part, of Republic Act No 11479.
President Duterte signed a stricter anti-terrorism bill, condemned by critics and rights groups as a weapon to target opponents and stifle free speech.
Duterte has defended the law, saying law-abiding citizens should not fear as it targets terrorists including communist insurgents.
