Businessmen laud SC ruling vs drug searches

MANILA, Philippines — Several local and foreign business groups commended the Supreme Court ruling against warrantless police searches and seizures, celebrating an important win of the rule of law over the rule of men.

In a joint statement, 11 business groups voiced their support on Sunday for the high court’s decision that invalidated warrantless police searches and seizures of illegal drugs in vehicles based solely on an unverified anonymous tip.

The move deals a heavy blow to President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war, as no less than the Supreme Court said in its decision that a battle that tramples on people’s rights “is not a war on drugs; it’s a war against against the people.”

“We thank the court for delivering a message that no citizen should be deprived of his personal liberty based on unlawfully obtained evidence, such as in an illegal search or a warrantless arrest,” the groups said.

“The business community is highly encouraged by the court’s determination to uphold the rule of law over the rule of men,” they added.

The 11 groups which released the joint statement are the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (Finex), Institute of Corporate Directors, Institute for Solidarity in Asia, Investment Houses Association of the Philippines (IHAP), Judicial Reform Initiative, Makati Business Club (MBC), Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Shareholders Association of the Philippines, American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.

“We appeal to all the sectors of the government, as well as ordinary citizens, to be watchful and to help ensure that constitutional rights are always protected, and that those who violate the same are held accountable,” they said.