Lacson to ‘respect, graciously accept’ Supreme Court decision on anti-terror law

Lacson to ‘respect, graciously accept’ Supreme Court decision on anti-terror law

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential aspirant Senator Panfilo Lacson, who authored the Anti-Terrorism Act, on Thursday said he will “respect and graciously accept” the Supreme Court’s decision on petitions questioning the constitutionality of the controversial measure.

Lacson made the remark after the Supreme Court’s Public Information Office (PIO) disclosed that the high court has deliberated and voted on the cases against Republic Act 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The ruling, however, has not been released.

“The fate of the Anti Terrorism Act rests on the collective wisdom of the magistrates of the Supreme Court,” Lacson said on social media.

“Being the principal sponsor of the measure, I will respect and graciously accept whatever ruling will be announced anytime soon. I hope the petitioners do the same,” the senator added.

The Anti-Terrorism Act was signed into law on July 3, 2020, and took effect on July 18. It is the subject of 37 petitions before the Supreme Court.

In confirming that magistrates have already voted on the issue, Supreme Court’s Public Information Chief and spokesperson Atty. Brian Keith Hosaka said that “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.”

Hosaka said that the Supreme Court’s PIO “will be releasing to the public “an accurate summary of the action of the Supreme Court with respect to the ATA case at the soonest possible time.”

*********