A group of student organizations, led by the Nagkahiusang Kusog sa Estudyante UP Cebu, filed a petition before the Supreme Court on July 28, questioning the constitutionality of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The petitioners were represented by the Free Legal Assistance Group of Cebu, led by Atty. Abe Acosta, with co-counsels Atty. Jay Pujanes and Atty. Karla Tumulak. This is the first case filed outside Metro Manila and the 20th petition attacking the recently enacted law.

One of the issues raised in their 70-page petition is the suppression of the constitutional right to free speech and expression. While the questioned law remains in force, activities conducted by student organizations inside and outside their campuses are likely to be considered as acts of or inciting terrorism, said NKE UP Cebu.

Representatives of the petitioner-organizations include Hendry Abendan of the Center for Youth Participation and Development Initiatives, Calvin Dhame Lagahit of the Cebu Normal University (CNU) Student Democratic Party, Christian Louie Ilustrisimo of CNU Students Republic Party, Benna Lyn Rizon of CNU Reformative Leaders (Re-Lead) Party Lynie Regidor of the University of the Philippines Cebu (UP-Cebu) Union of Progressive Students, Hannson Kent J. Namoc of UP-Cebu Nakahiusang Kusog sa Estudyante, Gilbert G Apura Jr. of University of San Carlos (USC) Student Power Party, David C. Suico of USC Student Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy, and Mary Therese T. Maurin of the University of Cebu Law Student Society.

Among the named respondents to the petition are Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea in his capacity as executive secretary and chairperson of the Anti-Terrorism Council as well as the members of the said council.

Included also in the student groups’ petition is an urgent prayer for preliminary injunction and/or temporary restraining order enjoining the respondent members of the Anti-Terrorism Council and its coordinating law enforcement agencies from implementing the Anti-Terrorism Law.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11479 otherwise known as the Anti-Terrorism Act last July 3 and took effect on July 18. The law’s implementing rules and regulations have yet to be released.