A WELL-PLACED source in the Supreme Court (SC) who spoke on condition of anonymity disclosed that the decision on the controversial Republic Act No. 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, would be publicly announced before the weekend.

Meanwhile, the National Union of People’s Lawyers on Wednesday said that it was eagerly waiting with bated breath for the high court’s decision on the anti-terror law.

“It is with both excitement and anxiety to learn that the Highest Court has finally voted on the various transcendental issues on the Anti-Terrorism Act that could possibly finally put finish to this polarizing controversy and agonizing wait.”

“The ruling will certainly reverberate across the land and beyond. Its substantive and procedural nuances, implications and repercussions, must be divined, dissected and digested well especially for the practical benefit of the people who simply refuse to let the dying of the light of our rights, ” the NUPL said in a statement.

But the group said that whatever the SC’s decision would be, lawyers are duty-bound to respect and accept it.

A total of 37 petitions have been filed before the high court challenging the constitutionality of Republic Act 11479.

President Rodrigo 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.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Hector Lawas