Jerome Secillano, CBCP executive secretary, in a text message to The Manila Times said, “[D]ifferent dioceses and Church groups have ‘shown opposition’ to Republic Act (RA) 11479 with released statements condemning the law.”“There are petitions brought before the Supreme Court also. It suffices to say that as of yet, the Church is neither a party nor joined to a group contesting the constitutionality or legality of the law,” the priest added. “It is morally wrong, we humbly submit, to leave the terms of such a powerful bill to the interpretation of the reckless and the power trippers,” Villegas added. “There remains unresolved assassinations, allegedly labor-related disappearances, various repressions, red-tagging and wanton attacks on workers and workers’ fundamental rights that make the current environment dangerous and difficult for workers,” the group said. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the law took effect Saturday and not on Sunday as previously announced.

Source: Manila Times July 18, 2020 16:40 UTC