SC appoints ex-Associate Justice Jardeleza as ‘friend of court’ in anti-terror law oral arguments

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has appointed retired Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza as “amicus curiae” or friend of the court for the oral arguments on petitions against the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).

The appointment of Jardeleza, also a former Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon and solicitor general, was indicated in a resolution from SC dated January 26 but only made public on Friday.

In the same resolution, the high court also said it resolved to “note without action” a similar bid by former Solicitor General Estelito Mendoza to be appointed as amicus curiae.

Mendoza earlier asked the SC to allow him to be an amicus curiae or friend of the court in advising the Supreme Court to reject the legal challenges to the new law.

However, some petitioners have opposed Mendoza’s bid, saying he could not act as an impartial friend of court since he has likewise sought the dismissal of the challenges to the ATA.

Mendoza earlier said the petitions should be dismissed for lack of “actual controversy involving a legally demandable and enforceable right.”

There are currently 37 petitions against the Anti-Terorrism Act pending before the Supreme Court, making it the most highly contested law since the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

The oral arguments on the Anti-Terrorism Act are scheduled for February 2.

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