The much criticized Anti-Terrorism Act will take effect on Saturday, the Department of Justice announced to clarify confusion on the start date of its implementation.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Friday explained that since the law was published on July 3, it will take effect on July 18, or 15 days after. He also offered an apology for the confusion caused by their earlier statement.
“We rectify our earlier statement that the law will take effect after the 15th day, or on July 19. Our apologies.”
The Anti-Terrorism Council, headed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, has started discussions for the formulation of implementing rules and regulations which will be submitted to Congress, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. told CNN Philippines.
“IRR will come in 90 days,” Esperon said in a text message.
Republic Act 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 mandates the creation of a joint congressional oversight committee which can summon the council and law enforcement officers over the implementation of the measure.
Several petitions have been filed by law experts, including some 1987 Constitution framers, at the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the law since President Rodrigo Duterte signed it on July 3.
