Palace clarifies why Duterte mulls suspension of habeas corpus writ

A PALACE official admitted Sunday that President Rodrigo Duterte is "so worried" about the illegal drug problem, prompting him to consider suspending the writ of habeas corpus.

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar recalled a folder containing the names of government officials allegedly involved in illegal drugs.

"Ang problema natin sa droga ay napaka-lalim at napaka-laganap na kasi nitong problema. ‘Yung pinakita ni Pangulong Duterte na napakakapal na papel na nakalista doon ‘yung mga persons of interest ng iligal na droga. The President is so worried already," he said over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

He said the President mentioned that he needs all the help in addressing the drug menace.

Under the 1987 Constitution, the President may, for a period not exceeding 60 days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law in case of invasion or rebellion when the public safety requires it.

When Duterte mentioned on Friday night that he might suspend the writ of habeas corpus, he immediately ruled out declaring martial law.

"So ‘yung pagbanggit po ng Pangulo ng suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, I believe that this is pertaining to our problem, to our problem in the illegal drugs here in the country," Andanar said.

Asked of the factors that would prompt Duterte to finally suspend the writ of habeas corpus, he said he did not want to preempt the President.

"So antayin na lang po natin kung ano ang magiging kondisyon ng ating Pangulo," he said.

Andanar added that the suspension of the writ was just an idea, thus, there was nothing to be worried about that it could be abused.