The SC has ordered an investigation of four of the seven judges who are still active in judicial service – Exequil Dagala of the Dapa-Socorro, Surigao municipal trial court; Adriano Savillo of Iloilo City regional trial court; Domingo Casiple of Kalibo, Aklan RTC; and Antonio Reyes of Baguio City, Benguet RTC.
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“The President merely asked a rhetorical question and said it under the context that his anti-drug campaign can not wait for the slow wheels of justice – [Philippines] style”.
In fact, she said they are now investigating a judge with links to illegal drugs.
“I would caution them against surrendering or making themselves physically accountable to any police officer in the absence of any duly issued warrant of arrest”, Sereno said, as she invoked jurisdiction of the SC over cases filed against judges.
Article 7, Section 18 of the Constitution states that: “In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, he may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corps or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law”.
In a speech during his visit to Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro last Tuesday, the President warned the Chief Justice against creating a constitutional crisis over the government’s anti-drug campaign or else he might declare martial law to resolve the problem.
She instructed the judges mentioned in Duterte’s list of tainted officials not to surrender unless there is a warrant for their arrest. “I will make sure that every week, this is our agenda”, the Chief Justice said.
Duterte earlier on Tuesday, August 9, warned Sereno of a possible declaration of martial law if the Supreme Court (SC) decides to hinder his ongoing campaign against illegal drugs.
“Panelo scored Sereno for “misconstruing” and mis-appreciating” the statements of Duterte when she chided him for naming judges allegedly involved in illegal drugs, saying this was premature and could endanger their lives.
“This is just a clear case of miscommunication”.
Sereno said they are now investigating a judge with links to illegal drugs but the judge was not included in Duterte’s list.
Barbers said that President Duterte’s declaration of Martial Law is not far-fetched since he enjoys the support of majority of lawmakers in Congress.
“It should not come as a fight between the two branches of government”.
During the Court’s 115 anniversary on June 10, Sereno rebuked President Duterte for interference in the affairs of the judiciary. Duterte said the Chief Justice got him wrong.
Abu, a deputy speaker, said “the President posed a question not a threat when he talked about Martial Law”.
“The drug problem has risen to a crisis of very big proportion that endangers the public safety hence constitutionally a declaration of martial law is valid since there is imminent danger to the public safety”, Panelo had said.
Sereno warned the President of the repercussions of the “premature” announcement, especially on the safety and performance of duties of the judges.
Senators Juan Edgardo Angara and Panfilo Lacson said they did not believe Duterte’s Martial Law question was a serious remark.
“If the Supreme Court (SC) does impede the action of the President, I think the President is justified to do so”, Mr. Panelo said.
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Senate President Pro Tempore Franklin Drilon appealed for a more rational debate on the issue regarding the government’s aggressive campaign against drugs. There is no argument that can not be solved by rational debate. “Let’s not be quick-tempered”, he said in Filipino.
