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Laws passed by Congress presumed to be constitutional -Palace


Following petitions filed before the Supreme Court seeking to invalidate the newly-signed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, Malacañang on Monday countered that laws passed by Congress enjoy the presumption of constitutionality.

At least four groups, including opposition legislators and lawyers, had filed separate petitions against the law, claiming its provisions were vague and could be used to trample on human rights.

“Hayaan na po natin ang proseso na umusad sa ating Korte Suprema bagamat puwede rin pong sabihin na nirerespeto po paulit ulit ng Korte Suprema ang produkto ng mga halal na mga mambabatas,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a televised briefing.

“Ang general po is that every law passed by Congress enjoys the very heavy presumption of constitutionality.”

As the final arbiter of legal issues in the country, the SC, on several occasions, struck down as unconstitutional certain provisions of some laws including the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Duterte signed the new anti-terror law last Friday despite objections from various groups, including the United Nations human rights body and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.

The President signed the measure six days before it would have lapsed into law on July 9.

The Office of the Executive Secretary, Department of Justice, and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo earlier gave separate comments on the measure, which drew criticism because it allegedly contained provisions that could be used to stifle dissent.

Critics also warned against the up-to 24-day warrantless detention period for suspected terrorists, and the alleged authority of the Anti-Terrorism Council to authorize in writing the arrest of terrorism suspects.

Roque, however, said the fight against terrorism required a "comprehensive approach” to contain a threat. — DVM, GMA News

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