Council OKs IRR for anti-terror law

THE Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the AntiTerrorism Act of 2020 has been passed by the Anti Terrorism Council.

The IRR contains the detailed provisions on terrorism and terrorismrelated crimes on surveillance, on designation of terrorist individuals and organizations, on proscription, and on the examination of bank accounts, among others.

It also defines the role the council will play to ensure that the policies and programs to address and curb terrorism are in place.

At least 35 petitions questioning the law have been filed before the Supreme Court before the court said it was not entertaining any more pleas.

The last petition was filed by martial law survivor Aida Santos, journalist Kara Alikpala and writer

Lualhati Bautista representing Pagkakaisa ng Kababaihan para sa Kalayaan, Women’s legal and human rights Bureau , Dap-Ayan Ti Babbai, Kaisa Ka Youth and several other groups.

A source in the Supreme Court told The Manila Times that the case was raffled off to Associate Justice Rosmari Declaro Carandang.

As ponente, Carandang will study the case and make her recommendations to the en banc.

The women petitioners assailed the law as unconstitutional because it impairs the right to free speech, due process and the freedom of assembly.

Named respondents were Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, the Anti- Terrorism Council and Anti Money Laundering Council.