SC throws out appeals on anti-terror law with finality
Ruling a 'triumph for peace,' says DILG chief
THE Supreme Court, meeting en banc, denied “with finality,” all appeals to declare RA 11479 or the ‘Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020’ as unconstitutional “due to lack of substantial issues and arguments raised by the petitioners.”
In a one-page ‘media briefer’ released by the SC Public Information Office on April 26, 2022, the justices, who are holding their session at the court’s retreat house in Baguio City, maintained their votes in the decision they released last December 7, 2021, which, except for two provisions related to the free speech/dissent protection clause and foreign mode of designation, ruled that the rest of the provisions of RA 11479 are constitutional and in conformance with the law.
It further noted that newly-appointed associate justice, Antonio T. Kho Jr., also concurred with the majority opinion penned by then Associate Justice Rosmari D. Carandang.
Carandang is now the Judicial Academy Chancellor, noted the SC statement.
DILG welcomes decision
On being informed of the high court’s decision, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary, Eduardo M. Año, said he “welcomes and applauds” the positive development.
“The SC’s decision is a victory not only for the government, but for the entire nation against those who have made it their singular goal to sow chaos, violence, and terrorism in our country.
“The decision proves that the Anti-Terror Law protects the rights of all citizens, is not meant to curb dissent, and is legally and constitutionally sound.
“With this development, the DILG and the Philippine National Police are now more resolved and committed to carry out President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s goal of leaving a legacy of peace by finally ending insurgency, terrorism, and other threats to peace in our country,” Año said in the statement released by his office on April 27, 2022.
“With this significant triumph for peace, the Filipino people, especially those living in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, can now be assured that the government can now use the full powers of the law to protect them against the horrors of terrorism,” he added (updated May 2, 2022).
