MANILA, Philippines — In a change of usual schedule, the Supreme Court continues its oral arguments on the 37 consolidated petitions against the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 on Wednesday.
The session on May 12 is the eighth setting of the debates, and the first to be set on a Wednesday.
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Of the 15 sitting magistrates, only Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo and Senior Associate Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe have yet to interpellate the government lawyers defending the law.
National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon is also expected to face the justices
Solicitor General Jose Calida has remained on the sidelines of the debates, while Assistant Solicitors General Marissa Galandines and Raymund Rigodon field questions from the magistrates.
After the interpellation of the government lawyers, retired Chief Justice Reynato Puno and former SC Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza, appointed amici curiae (friends of court), are expected to deliver their statements.
Under the Rules of Court, the court may invite “experienced and impartial attorneys” to appear as amici curiae to help in disposition of issues submitted to it.
Tune in to the LIVE audio streaming of the oral arguments scheduled at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 12.