Labor rights groups file 7th petition vs. anti-terror law

Two labor rights groups have filed the seventh challenge to the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 before the Supreme Court (SC).

The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) and the Pro-Labor Legal Assistance Center filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition against the new law on Wednesday, according to a post on CTUHR's Facebook page.

“Because of the vague definition of terrorism and the absolute power it gives the state forces, this law can definitely be used against the labor movement," the groups said.

"Throughout history, unionists and labor rights defenders have been perpetrated by filing trumped-up charges against them, red-tagging, accusing them of being rebels or terrorists, and other forms of harassment. This law will worsen the struggles of workers in pushing for their rights and demands,” they added.

Lawyers, lawmakers, human rights advocates, a former government official, and two members of the 1986 Constitutional Commission are among those behind the first six petitions challenging the constitutionality of Republic Act No. 11479.

More groups and individuals are expected to oppose the law before the highest Philippine court.

The petitioners have so far questioned the law's provisions on, among others, warrantless arrests and the period of detention of terrorism suspects, the definition of terrorism, and the powers of the Anti-Terrorism Council.

The SC has ordered the consolidation of the first four petitions and ordered the respondent government officials to comment within 10 days. — BM, GMA News