Let court rule on petition vs anti-terror law – Palace

Malacañang said it will let the Supreme Court (SC) decide on the legal challenge against the newly signed Anti-Terrorism Law and will respect whatever its ruling may be.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque made the statement a er several groups on Saturday questioned the Anti-Terrorism Law before the Supreme Court (SC), saying the measure breaches the Constitution.

In a text message, Roque refused to comment on the petition but said the Palace will let the SC do its job.

“Will allow court to decide. Can’t comment because of subjudice rule,” he said.

“On SC challenge vs AntiTerror Law: The Palace will leave it to the SC to decide on these petitions and will abide by whatever the ruling is,” he added.

A lawyers’ group led by Howard Calleja, the De La Salle brothers led by former Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro, and a civic group filed the plea electronically on Saturday and sought a temporary restraining order against the law.

“While threats to our national security need to be addressed, the law, as cra ed, is oppressive and inconsistent with our Constitution, hence, the petition,” a Facebook post by the Calleja Law Firm read.

“This fight against terrorism should not and should never be a threat to the fundamental freedoms of all peaceful Filipinos,” it furthered.

President Duterte signed the Republic Act No. 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Law on Friday despite calls to junk it because of supposedly unconstitutional provisions that violate human rights and are prone to abuse.

In an earlier statement, Roque described terrorism as a “crime against humanity” that requires a comprehensive approach to contain.