Midway into September, the Supreme Court has yet to announce a final schedule for the oral arguments on the contentious anti-terror law even though it previously announced they will be held by the end of the month.

Petitioners Bayan and Sangguniang Kabataan leaders filed a joint motion before the Court Monday, September 14, urging the High Tribunal to set the oral arguments in motion.

It was a joint opposition to Solicitor General Jose Calida’s urgent motion to cancel the oral arguments, where he cited quarantine rules against gatherings.

Sources have confirmed that the en banc has “noted” Calida’s motion. “Noted” in en banc parlance means what it is – justices have taken note of it without any specific action.

“The immense value of conducting the (oral arguments) in
these cases cannot be gainsaid,” said Bayan and the youth leaders.

“The law being assailed in these cases
must undergo the crucible of public scrutiny through the oral
arguments,” the pleading said, signed by their common lawyer, the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL).

Rappler asked Supreme Court Spokesperson Brian Keith Hosaka on Monday if the justices have decided on a schedule, but there was no response yet as of writing.

Petitioners also reiterated their urgent request for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against the law.

Petitioners said the TRO is urgently needed “in view of the law’s devastating impact on the full enjoyment of fundamental human rights and the operation of constitutional safeguards against authoritarianism.” (READ: During pandemic, Supreme Court favors Duterte twice and makes others wait)

Previously, the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) filed a pleading reiterating the request for a TRO, saying the Supreme Court must “save democracy in 11th hour.” (READ: In battle for civil liberties, Supreme Court is needed now more than ever)

Influential lawyer Estelito Mendoza, the solicitor general of dictator Ferdinand Marcos, has requested the Court to be admitted as an amicus curiae or a resource person, but petitioners are trying to block his participation.

Mendoza echoed the government’s arguments that the issues are not ripe to be tackled by the Supreme Court. – Rappler.com