MANILA (PHILIPPINES) – A top member of the congress and a lawyers’ group in the Philippines asked the Supreme Court on Monday to strike down a draconian anti-terrorism law of President Rodrigo Duterte. They said it was unconstitutional as it infringed on civil liberties.
Petitions filed by lawmaker Edcel Lagman and two groups of lawyers sought a restraining order against implementing the controversial law which was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday after expediting it through the legislature.
According to human rights organisations, although the Philippines has terrorism threats, the new law could be abused to crack down on critics.
The legislation gives security forces sweeping powers to go after suspects even without judicial approval. Another provision is 90 days of surveillance, wiretaps, arrest and detention without a warrant.
According to legal experts, it infringes on privacy, stifles free speech and peaceful dissent.
“It was crafted in imprecise and vague language so much so that there is no certitude as to what acts the law actually proscribes,” said Lagman.
However, Senator Panfilo Lacson defended the bill he co-authored, saying “It is a good law, swift, effective and constitutional”.
Duterte has come under criticism for squashing debate and expediting the passage of the legislation while the nation was focused on fighting the pandemic.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field