Makati Business Club: Disrespect for the law bad for business

THE MAKATI Business Club (MBC) yesterday warned that the power struggle at City Hall had created “an environment of uncertainty and instability” in the country’s financial center despite the temporary departure of Mayor Junjun Binay.

In a statement, the MBC expressed concern over the potential impact of tensions between the authorities and Binay on the local economy, stressing that “such a situation is unnecessary and is counterproductive, especially at a time when the econo- my is steadily growing and that there is renewed investor interest in the Philippines.”

The MBC was referring to the violent confrontation between Binay’s supporters and policemen trying to enforce an Ombudsman order for the suspension of Binay on Monday night.

‘Immediately executory’

“While we recognize that the mayor has decided to leave City Hall as ordered by the Office of the Ombudsman, we note that it took a significant period, two orders from the Ombudsman, and instances of near-violence between the mayor’s supporters and law enforcement officers before the mayor made his decision when such an order was immediately executory,” the MBC said.

“[The] MBC believes that no one should be above the law—and the demand to respect the rule of law is more heavily levied on elected public servants. Indeed, affected officials are free to avail themselves of all remedies provided under our system. However, they must ultimately and immediately submit themselves to the demands of the law at the first instance an order is given,” it said.

The violence at City Hall clearly illustrates the cost of defying a suspension order, which has almost become common practice among public officials facing charges, the group said.

“As part of our democratic processes to address possible wrongdoing, suspension is not a punishment, nor does respecting a suspension order mean an admission of guilt… Now that the case is in the judiciary, it is our hope that the courts will render a fair decision swiftly and in accordance with its merits,” it said.