Duterte warns of constitutional crisis

President Duterte has threatened to defy the courts if they continue to protect oligarchs in cases detrimental to national interest.

The President warned anew of a constitutional crisis after frowning at the courts’ alleged abuse of issuance of temporary restraining orders (TROs) in favor of the oligarchs.

“Nagwa-warning ako sa Court of Appeals pati na Supreme Court, huwag ninyong… You know, huwag ninyong sakyan ‘yan na magkaso sa mga oligarchs [I am warning the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. Do not take the side of oligarchs in cases],” Duterte said in his speech in Tagum City last Thursday.

“Bakit man kayo na mag-TRO-TRO. Do not wait for the day na hindi ako maniwala sa inyo. Kasi jina-jamming ninyo ang Pilipino, eh kayong mga justices diyan [Why do you issue TROs? Do not wait for the time when I stop believing you because you are jamming Filipinos, you justices there],” he added.

Duterte issued the warning amid the government’s legal battle to take back its property in Makati City leased to Sunvar Reality Development Corporation. He had earlier said he wanted to sell the Mile Long property and use the revenues to fund government housing projects.

“Mamili kayo, I am warning you, either return the property of the government to the people or there will be a time I will not honor your order and you shall have created a constitutional crisis,” the President said.

Duterte had earlier called on the judiciary to limit the TROs issued by the courts that only delay government projects. He lamented that some judges have issued TROs after allegedly being paid by the interested party.