THE DEAN of the Far Eastern University’s Institute of Law, Mel Sta. Maria, sought the junking of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 whose legality has been questioned before the Supreme Court.

Sta. Maria called for public unity and support as the high court prepares to hear oral arguments on the case.

He said that the executive and the legislative branches of government conspired to pass the “unfair” law, adding that the debates will determine the country’s state of democracy.

“MGA KABABAYAN, sa ikalawa (2) ng Pebrero diringgin at pakikinggan ng Korte Suprema ang mga petisyon laban sa Anti-Terror-Law. Ipagdasal po natin na ibasura ang batas. Pagdasal po rin natin na ang Korte Suprema (na ang karamihan ng miyembro ay itinalaga ni Presidente Duterte) ay tunay na maging  fair and independent,” Sta. Maria said on his Facebook page.

“Alam naman po natin na ang executive at ang legislative ay nagsanib sa pagsulong ng ‘di makatarungang batas na iyan. Isa na lang po ang natitira sa check-and-balance. Ito ang Korte Suprema. Malinawan po sana sila at huwag sumanib sa executive at Congress. Let’s  pray for the sake of our democracy and the Filipino people,” he added.

The oral debate was initially set on January 12 but was postponed after the personnel of the Office of the Solicitor General tested positive for Covid19.

The OSG will face several high-profile lawyers representing the 37 groups that filed petitions against the Anti-Terror Law.