Duterte ‘recognizes’ separation of powers—Palace

President Rodrigo Duterte. JIGGER JERUSALEM/INQUIRER MINDANAO FILE PHOTO

President Rodrigo Duterte respects the separation of powers in government amid fears of a constitutional crisis after he launched tirades against the Supreme Court.

“The President is a member of the bar who believes in the rule of law and advocates for judicial independence. As President, he has the sworn duty to uphold and defend the Constitution,” Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a statement on Wednesday.

Andanar’s statement came a day after Duterte blasted Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno for intervening in his no-nonsense war against illegal drugs.

READ: Duterte defies Supreme Court

The President has warned Sereno not to create a “constitutional war.”

“Ikaw warningan ko (I’ll warn you): don’t create crisis because I will order everybody in the executive department not to follow you,” Duterte said.

The President’s statement came a day after Sereno questioned allegations that seven judges had been involved in illegal drugs. Sereno said only the high court was authorized to discipline members of the judiciary.

READ: Sereno questions Duterte list

Andanar clarified Duterte’s move to publicly name officials linked to the illegal drug trade.

“The words and action of the President all point to these. When the President referred the named judges on his consolidated list to the Supreme Court, he was acknowledging the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court over the judges,” he said.

“He recognizes the separation of powers, and even asked the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court not to create a constitutional crisis,” he added. RAM

RELATED VIDEOS