SC decision on petitions vs anti-terror law will measure integrity of justices — solon

MANILA, Philippines — How the Supreme Court will rule on the petitions filed against the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 will measure the integrity and independence of the justices, House Assistant Minority Leader, and ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro said.

“Masusukat natin dito yung independence at integridad ng bawat sssociate justice ng Supreme Court na tignan yung constitutionality nito,” the lawmaker said in an online press conference of Makabayan Bloc on Friday.

(This will measure the independence and integrity of every Supreme Court associate justice to look into the law’s constitutionality.)

The Makabayan bloc is the fourth to file a petition against the Anti-Terrorism Law before the Supreme Court. Its petition, along with four others have been consolidated by the Supreme Court.

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate said they are hoping that the High Court will consider their arguments that some of the provisions of the anti-terror law are unconstitutional.

“Kami ay umaasa na dahil ang Korte Suprema dun tayo dumudulog sa usaping constitutionality ay makita nila yung validity of our arguments na gusto naming madeklarang unconstitutional yung anti-terror law,” Zarate said in the same press conference.

(We are hoping that the Supreme Court, since it deals with constitutionality, will look into the validity of our arguments and that we want anti-terror law to be declared as unconstitutional.)

Makabayan bloc to file bill to repeal anti-terror law

Meanwhile, the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives also said it is eyeing to file a measure that seeks to repeal the controversial anti-terror law once the 18th Congress resumes its regular session on July 27.

“Sa ngayon, ating tinututukan yung muna mga petition na nakasampa sa Korte Suprema pero pinagaaralan na rin natin na sa pagbubukas halimbawa ng second regular session ng 18th Congress ay makapaghain tayo ng batas na tuluyang magbabasura ng anti-terror law na ito,” Zarate said.

(For now, we are still looking at the petition that was filed at the Supreme Court but we are also looking to file a measure that will junk anti-terror law once the second regular session opens.)

“Definitely, maghahain ang Makabayan Bloc na magpapabasura sa batas na ito,” he added.

(Definitely, Makabayan Bloc will file a bill that would junk this law.)

/MUF