SC to resume oral arguments on anti-terror law on April 27

The Supreme Court (SC) will continue on April 27 the oral arguments on the petitions seeking to nullify the controversial anti-terror law after a month-long suspension due to COVID-19 concerns.

The next oral arguments will be held virtually, according to an advisory released by the SC.

“This arrangement shall be pro hac vice [for this occasion only] vis-a-vis these consolidated cases. Personal appearance before the Court En Banc remains to be the primary mode of conducting oral arguments,” it said.

The SC earlier said the next hearing would take place two weeks after the lifting of the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila. The National Capital Region shifted to the less restrictive modified ECQ on April 12.

The high court had previously allowed a limited number of lawyers from both parties to physically attend the session in compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols.

The SC has so far conducted four days of oral arguments, with Solicitor General Jose Calida expected to begin his defense of the law in the next session that will be presided over by newly-appointed Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo.—AOL, GMA News