MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang will leave the fate of the newly-signed anti-terror law up to the Supreme Court.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque on Sunday said the Palace will follow whatever the ruling of the High Court will be on the petitions filed that challenge the constitutionality of the new law.
“The Palace will leave it to the SC to decide on these petitions and will abide by whatever the ruling is,” he said in a statement.
President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 despite strong opposition from diverse groups and individuals, warning of possible violations of civil and political rights, and the Constitution itself.
A group of lawyers and educators is asking the Supreme Court to stop the enforcement of the newly-signed measure, saying it contained provisions that were “repugnant” to the Constitution.
The Calleja Law Firm, led by Lawyer Howard “Howie” Calleja, said the group filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition with urgent prayer for the issuance of a temporary and writ of preliminary injunction and/or other injunctive remedies against the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.