Any legislation on anti-terrorism should not stifle freedom of expression and legitimate dissent, Vice President Leni Robredo said Thursday, after the Supreme Court declared two provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Law as unconstitutional.
“We remain steadfast in our position: Any Anti-Terrorism legislation must truly address the root causes of terrorism and should not be used as a pretext to stifle freedom of expression or legitimate dissent,” Robredo, who is running for President in the 2022 elections, said in a statement.
“We are hopeful that the rest of these concerns will be substantially resolved in the full decision,” the Vice President added.
The Supreme Court said that Section 4 of the ATL qualifying dissent is “overboard and violative of the [right to] freedom of expression.”
The High Court, however, is yet to explain why Section 25 of Paragraph 2 of the ATL is illegal.
Provisions in the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 that the Supreme Court struck down include the one in Section 4, which deleted the qualifier that stating dissent is not considered terrorism which are not intended to cause death or serious physical harm to a person, to endanger a person’s life, or to create a serious risk to public safety.
The magistrates also noted Paragraph 2 of Section 25, which states that a request for designation by other jurisdictions or countries may be adopted by the Anti-Terrorism Council under the Executive department.
Meanwhile, Robredo will hold a press conference today at the Quezon City Reception House. The Vice President Robredo will discuss the details of her Hanapbuhay Para sa Lahat plan, which lays out her agenda for jobs creation and livelihood for Filipinos.
Previously, the mood was festive at the opening of the Leni-Kiko Campaign Headquarters in Brgy. Alfonso in Concepcion, Tarlac, on Wednesday.
Robredo attended the blessing of the HQ, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and danced with several Kakampink volunteers.
She was joined by her running mate, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, campaign manager former Senator Bam Aquino, and senatorial aspirant lawyer Chel Diokno.
Robredo also attended the Concelebrated Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception at the Santuario de la Inmaculada Concepcion in Concepcion, Tarlac, joined by Pangilinan, Aquino, Mayor Andy Lacson, and other local officials and organizations.
The mass was presided by His Excellency, Most Rev Enrique Macaraeg DD. Other members of the Diocese of Tarlac were also present.
In her short message after the mass, VP Leni highlighted the importance of celebrating the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the lessons it brings.