MAJOR CATHOLIC GROUP JOINS PETITION VS. ‘ATL’

WITH the bodies of the victims of last Monday’s twin bombing in Jolo, Sulu, yet to be identified and given proper burial after a major terrorist attack, the Association of the Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP) today filed a petition with the Supreme Court to question the legality of the newly-approved, ‘Anti-Terrorism Law.’

In a statement released to the media afterwards, the ARMSP said it is questioning the ATL or RA 11479, claiming it transgresses “free religious expression” of the members of the Catholic Church.

“The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 infringes on the free religious expression of the (Catholic) Church and is thus unconstitutional,” the statement read.

“With the law’s broad and vague definition of terrorism, the mission of the Church is impeded and negatively affected,” it added.

The ARMSP also claimed RA 11479 “interferes” with the social doctrine of the Church, “particularly its evangelization and missionary actions,” adding:

“The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 affects not just members of ‘religious congregations,’ but more importantly, the Christian faithful as it is everyone’s duty to evangelize and do missionary works.

“This affects the Church’s fundamental right to free religious expression.”

Father Angelito Cortez, OFM, AMRSP executive secretary, also described the law as “inhumane and oppressive” and a piece of legislation the country does not need.

“What we need are laws guided by justice, peace and integrity of creation,” he said.

Lawyer Rafael Calinisan, who prepared the petition, also lashed at the huge funds in the confidential and intelligence funds in the Executive Branch.

“Literally billions of pesos in confidential and intelligence funds are included in the budgets of the Office of the President, and other executive departments and offices.

“At present, the government is more than adequately equipped to address the issue of terrorism in the country. There is no need to infringe on the rights of Filipinos, and the religious freedom of the Church, just for convenience,” Calinisan claimed.

Since Pres. Duterte signed into law RA 11479 last July 3, 2020, at least seven petitions have already been filed before the SC to question its constitutionality, not including today’s petition by the AMRSP.

Over the years, Catholic churches are among the frequent targets of terrorist bombings, especially in Mindanao, that had killed dozens of people.

Only last December 2019, the Catholic Church in Cotabato was bombed by the Abu Sayyaf Group, killing 22 churchgoers while early in the year, the Catholic Church in Jolo, Sulu, was also bombed by Muslim extremists.