SC designates 9 CA divisions to handle HSA cases

Nine divisions of the Court of Appeals (CA) were designated by the Supreme Court to handle cases involving the crimes of terrorism or conspiracy to commit terrorism as defined in the Human Security Act of 2007.

Assigned to handle cases related to the Human Security Act are the CA’s first, second and third divisions (Metropolitan Manila and Luzon); 18th, 19th and 20th Divisions (Visayas) and the 21st, 22nd and 23rd Divisions (Mindanao).

The High Court said the courts must ensure that in the implementation of the Human Security Act, respect for human rights, “which shall be absolute and protected at all times, shall not be prejudiced.”

Midas Marquez, Supreme Court spokesman, said the designation of the authorizing CA divisions was in response to written requests from the Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

No TRO vs terror law

Meanwhile, Marquez said the Supreme Court has not issued a temporary restraining order against the implementation of the anti-terror law, or Republic Act 9372.

The respondents were ordered to submit their comments to the Court within 10 days, he added.

Last July 16, two non-government organizations, the Kilusang Mayo Uno and the Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CUTHR) asked the Court to stop the government from implementing RA 9372, which was signed into law by President Arroyo on March 6, 2007.

The law took effect on July 15 without implementing rules and regulations being issued by the government.

Petitioners argued that the law violates the constitutional guarantee against unreasonable searches and seizures, and the right of citizens to travel and freedom of expression. 

On July 17, former vice president Teofisto Guingona and other cause-oriented groups also asked the Court to declare the Human Security Act unconstitutional.

The other petitioners are Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Gabriela, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, Movement of Concerned Citizens for Civil Liberties, COURAGE, Kadamay, Solidarity of Cavite Workers, League of Filipino Students, HEAD, Anakbayan, Pamalakaya, Alliance of Concerned Teachers, Migrante and AGHAM.

Other individual petitioners are National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera, Renato Constantino Jr., Sister Mary John Manansan (OSB), Dean Consuelo Paz, Josefina Lichauco, retired Col. Gerry Cunanan, film director Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, Dr. Carolina Araullo, Renato Reyes Jr., Danilo Ramos, Emerenciana de Jesus, Rita Baua and Rey Claro Casambre.