Robredo: No legal basis to suspend writ of habeas corpus

NAGA CITY — Vice President Leni Robredo on Saturday said there are no circumstances in the country that would warrant the suspension of writ of habeas corpus.

According to Robredo, who is a lawyer herself, the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines clearly indicates the circumstances when a state should declare the suspension of writ of habeas corpus.

“The suspension of writ of habeas corpus, it is very clear in the Constitution, that it should not be declared without the needed circumstances. There should either be a rebellion, invasion, or a lawless violence,” she explained.

“Ito iyong tanong: mayroon ba tayong ganoon? Kasi kung mayroon tayong ganoon, gusto bang sabihin walang kontrol iyong pamahalaan? (Here is the question: Do we have those circumstances? Because if there is, does that mean the government has no control?)” she said.

President Duterte recently announced that he would declare the suspension of writ of habeas corpus when “pushed to his limits.”

In a speech in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan on Thursday, Mr. Duterte also warned that he would arrest his critics.

The Constitution states that the President may suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, for a period not exceeding 60 days.

The suspension of the writ of habeas corpus would essentially allow warrantless arrests.

The writ, if granted by the court, requires the state to produce the body of a person in custody.