The religious superiors of the Philippines urged the nation’s Supreme Court to stand by the common good as they battle against the contentious anti-terror law started, reported CBCP News.
In a statement, the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines (AMRSP) welcomed the petitions to void provisions of the controversial law.
“We trust that the good women and men of the highest court of the land will be guided by the common good of all and by the Philippine Constitution,” the group said.
“We implore them that in these gathering clouds of darkness, let the light of rule of law and ultimately, justice shine ever bright,” it said.
The influential organization of heads of the country’s religious congregations also called on the faithful to “stand your ground and be with the poor and downtrodden”.
“Truth, justice, and peace will prevail,” it said.
The AMRSP is a joint forum of heads of religious congregations, which run most of the country’s top universities and institutions.
President Rodrigo Duterte on July 3 signed into law the Anti-Terrorism Act after it was approved by Congress.
Among other things, the law allows warrantless arrest of people the government deems as terrorists and detain them without charge for 14 days.
The AMRSP said it is “deeply saddened” by Duterte’s signing of the widely-opposed measure which critics fear would “stifle basic rights and freedoms”.
“In light of faith, we cannot in conscience accede to a law that may assault human dignity and human rights,” read the group’s statement.
“At a time that our people are battling the effects of Covid-19, we find no reason to pass a law that does not serve to alleviate their miserable plight.”
“Unemployment, the closure of businesses, the continuing spread of the virus, and the lack of relief for our people are the most pressing concerns at this time,” it added.
