SC: Only 8 lawyers allowed in terror law hearings

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court has limited to eight the number of lawyers who will represent the 37 different petitioners challenging the legality of Republic Act No. 11479, or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, during the oral arguments next week.

In a 10-page court advisory, the magistrates required the lawyers to present a negative test result for COVID-19 three days before the oral arguments on Jan. 19.

“Petitioners and respondents, through their respective counsels, shall each have a total of 45 minutes per side to present their arguments,” the high court said.

It said only one lawyer representing each of the 37 petitioners would be allowed to be physically present during the oral arguments.

Solicitor General Jose Calida, on the other hand, was allowed only up to three lawyers to assist him. —Marlon Ramos