MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court has set a date for the oral arguments on the petitions filed against the Anti-Terrorism Law.
Based on a high court advisory sent to petitioners on Friday, the SC will begin oral arguments on January 19, 2021. It also listed the main issues to be discussed during the oral arguments.
The Supreme Court also directed the counsels of both petitioners and respondents to submit their manifestations on January 13, 2021.
As of this month, there are 37 petitions filed against the law, with several groups reiterating their pleas for the high court to issue a temporary restraining order on the enforcement of the measure following the issuance of its implementing rules and regulations last month.
Petitioners argued that the vague and broad provisions of the law can be used to silence government critics for fear of being tagged as terrorists.
They also urged the high court to declare the entire law unconstitutional.
Lawmakers who authored and sponsored the measure, however, maintained that the law has enough safeguards against abuse. – RRD (with details from Correspondent Dante Amento)
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