Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 11) – The Supreme Court named retired Chief Justice Reynato Puno as an amicus curiae or a ‘friend of the court’ in the oral arguments on the controversial Anti-Terrorism Act.
An amicus curiae is an experienced and impartial lawyer who the court invites to give an opinion that may help resolve a legal conflict.
The high court formalized Puno’s appointment in a February 9 court resolution.
Puno will join former Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza as an amicus curiae in the oral arguments, which tackle the legal challenges to the controversial law.
Republic Act No. 11479, or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, repeals the Human Security Act of 2007, giving more surveillance powers to government forces. Among its contentious features is a provision allowing suspected terrorists to be arrested without warrant and detained without charges for up to 24 days.
Critics said the hotly-contested measure relaxes safeguards on human rights and is open to abuse, but lawmakers who authored and sponsored the bill said it is at par with the laws of other countries and will not be used against law-abiding citizens.
A total of 37 petitions were filed before the SC to challenge the Anti-Terrorism Act’s legality. The oral arguments for the controversial law will continue on February 16.
