The Terror Behind the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020

Republic Act No. 11479, or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 was enacted earlier this year. However, a closer look at its provisions show that the entire law raises serious concerns of abuse by the Executive as it provides a potent vehicle against activism and dissenting voices.

The said law puts our basic rights under constant threat. This will be explained further as this course aims to explain the following:

• The jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to hear and decide on the constitutionality of the law
• What makes some of the provisions of the law unconstitutional:

–  Vague and Broad Definitions of Acts Constituting Terrorism
–  Violation of the Right to Freedom of Expression, Press, Speech, and Right to Peaceably Assemble
–  Violation of the Right Against Unreasonable Searches and Seizures
–  Violation of the Right to Privacy of Communication and Correspondence
–  Violation Against the Principle of Separation of Powers