IBP to challenge any new anti-subversion law

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s premier organization of lawyers will contest before the Supreme Court an anti-subversion law if it is revived by Congress.

Domingo Egon Cayosa, president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, said the IBP is prepared to fight any effort to restore the martial law-era anti-subversion law, which was repealed in 1992 as the Ramos administration explored peace with communist rebels.

“It’s possible not only the IBP but many other lawyers because it will run into constitutional difficulties,” Cayosa said in an interview with “The Chiefs” on Cignal TV’s One News on Wednesday.

Administration officials have been pushing for the revival of the anti-subversion law or Republic Act 1700 to pave the way for the outlawing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and all its front organizations.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año first broached the idea of restoring the law following reports of massive recruitment by left-leaning groups of students at colleges and universities.

Cayosa, however, said lawmakers would embarrass themselves if they bring back to life a law that has been proven to be ineffective.

“Congress will only put itself in a bind or even embarrass itself if they will listen to these knee-jerk reactions and suggestion,” he said.

Cayosa said there are enough laws to address security concerns such as Republic Act 9372 or the Human Security Act. All that is needed, according to Cayosa, is honest to goodness police work.

He stressed that additional laws meant to label particular groups or associations are unlikely to help solve the country’s problems.

Former Anakpawis party-list representative and Defend Negros Network Ariel Casilao said an anti-subversion law will just revert the country back to the dark days of martial law under dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

He expressed fear President Duterte would simply use the law to intensify his crackdown on his critics. – With Edith Regalado