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MANILA, Philippines – The announcement by the Supreme Court (SC) that oral arguments to the Anti-Terrorism Law will be heard from January 2021 is a positive development, the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) said on Friday.
NUPL President Edre Olalia said they are seeking a transparent discussion on the issue, especially as various groups that do not necessarily share the exact same principles have submitted similar petitions calling for the removal of the Anti-Terrorism Law.
“We are happy that the SC has finally established the oral (physical) arguments and summarized the main issues involved,” said Olalia.
“We look forward to a transparent, dynamic and comprehensive legal exchange and we hope that the unprecedented number of petitions and diverse petitioners who have come together in intersecting positions will collectively contribute to upholding the so-called rule of law, being faithful to constitutional precepts, and reestablishing the deteriorating strength of human rights and freedoms ”, he added.
However, NUPL also raised concerns that abuses may occur, as the higher court has yet to issue a temporary restraining order on the controversial law, as such petitions would also be discussed in January 2021.
NUPL revealed on Wednesday that the Antiterrorism Law, which amended the 2007 Human Security Law, has already registered its first hit: two Aetas de Zambales who are accused of participating in a shooting that resulted in the death of a soldier.
Olalia claimed that the firearms were simply placed by the authorities, which is in contrast to reports from the Philippine military.
“However, since the issue of a TRO or an SQA order has been presented as a preliminary issue until January 19, 2021, we are apprehensive that in the meantime there will be no further attacks on basic rights considering the current escalation. of the political militarization of the laws ”, he pointed out.
Olalia’s NUPL helped activist group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan file their own petition, as they believe that the Anti-Terrorism Law has numerous vague provisions that open the way for red labeling, which can lead to avenues for rights violations and other issues. of human rights.
To date, there are 37 pending petitions before the Supreme Court, presented by various sectors from different fields: the lawyer and former vice president Jejomar Binay and Rene Saguisag, the retired judges of the SC Antonio Carpio and Conchita Carpio Morales,
JPV
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