SC votes on ATA constitutionality

The justices of the Supreme Court have voted on the constitutionality of the Anti-Terrorism Act in the court’s en banc session, SC spokesman Brian Keith Hosaka confirmed Tuesday.

However, Hosaka said there was a need to confirm and tally the vote of each justice to ensure the correct resolution of the court.

“This is to confirm that the Court En Banc deliberated and voted on the Anti-Terrorism Act case today December 7, 2021,” Hosaka said.

“However, considering that there were numerous issues resolved in the case, as well as the fact that each Justice had to vote on each issue, there is a need to accurately confirm and tally the vote of each Justice in order to ensure the correct resolution of the Court per issue,” he added.

Hosaka assured the public the high court would provide an accurate summary of the decision as soon as possible.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed the anti-terror measure in July. A total of 37 petitions were filed assailing the measure, making it one of the most challenged laws in the country.

Petitioners have also warned against the provision on up to 24 days of warrantless detention for suspected terrorists and the alleged authority of the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) to authorize in writing the arrest of terrorism suspects.

Other officials have said there were safeguards in the law to prevent abuse.