The Supreme Court (SC) has decided to resolve on its merits the petition filed by several groups challenging the constitutionality of Republic Act No. 10083 that created the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Free Port (Apeco) in 2010.

In a notice sent to the parties to the case, the SC decided to “give due course to the petition” after “considering the allegations, issues and arguments adduced in the petition, as well as in the comments thereon, and in the consolidated reply.”

The parties were given 30 days from notice to file their memoranda. “No new issues may be raised by a party in its memorandum, and the issues raised in its pleadings but not included in the memorandum shall be deemed waived or abandoned,” the SC said.

The petitioners in the case are the Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya), Anakpawis Party List, and Panlalawigang Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Aurora (Pamana).

Named respondents were the Apeco officials as represented by its board composed of Roberto Mathay, president and CEO; Aurora Gov. Bella Angara-Castillo, Rep. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Mayor Victorio Briones of Dilasag, Aurora and Harley Rose Alcantara Daquioag, representing the workers in the board, House Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile for Philippine Congress which enacted Aseza and Apeco laws.