Senators seek clarity on declaration of state of lawlessness
MANILA, Philippines — Several senators on Saturday sought clarity on President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of a state of lawlessness in the wake of the deadly bombing in his home city, as such would spell out the bounds of the decree and ease concerns over its implementation.
As of this writing, there have been conflicting statements on whether the declaration is partial or it covers the entire country just as authorities investigated the blast that killed 14 and wounded scores of others.
READ: Davao explosion: What we know so far
Sen. Francis Escudero, a member of the Senate minority, said that civil rights are spared from the declaration, but a clarification won’t hurt.
“A clarification with respect to its parameters cannot do any harm and can only help inform our people of what the governmentt plans to do in order to bring the perpetrators to the bar of justice and prevent similar attacks from happening again,” Escudero said in a text message.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros, a staunch human rights advocate, meanwhile expressed “deep concerns” over the declaration, saying it could further sow fear.
“The President might have intended this declaration to underscore the seriousness of the Davao attack. But he should be aware that his actions may very well contribute to an environment of fear and violence that will serve the interests of lawless elements. I worry that the President might play to the script of the perpetrators of the violence,” Hontiveros said.
“I urge the Duterte government to continue to operate within the bounds of the law and respect the civil liberties of the people. We cannot fight lawless elements by depriving our people their right to the rule of law,” she said in a statement.
She said such declaration may only be made as “a status or condition of public moment or interest” under Section 4 Chapter 2, Book II of the Revised Administrative Code of 1987.
“The Supreme Court said that declarations of such nature should be ‘harmless, without legal significance, and deemed not written’,” she said.
Former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. meanwhile said the Palace should take the time to explain the parameters of the declaration.
“It’s not the form that bothers me. It’s the substance. I guess for fuller understanding of what this move means to the people, the Office of the President or its spokesperson should take time to [take] questions from the media,” he told the Inquirer when reached for comment.
“In the meantime, those responsible for the recent Davao mass murder should be hunted down w/o letup,” he said.
Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara meanwhile expressed confidence that such clarification will come in time.
“I’m sure they will clarify the declaration. What’s important is to have an immediate response that is proper and proportionate to the threat posed. There is no suspension of civil rights under a state of lawlessness. It is also a time for all law abiding citizens to come together to fight the evil that is terrorism,” he said.
Other senators condemned the attack as a “cowardly attack” against the innocent. They expressed support for the quest for justice, saying terror must never be allowed to succeed.
“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the dastardly and cowardly attack last night against the peace-loving people of Davao City. There is no excuse for hurting and killing civilians who were simply enjoying a night out with friends and family,” said Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III.
“My prayers are with the victims of the terrorist attack and their families. Justice must be served and the Senate will be supportive in achieving this Justice. The Police should be supported in solving this crime so that they can bring the perpetrators to Justice,” he said in a statement.
READ: Sara Duterte on Davao explosion: ‘We will not be terrorized’
Sen. Joel Villanueva sent his “deepest sympathies” to the victims as he called for unity “at this sorrowful time.”
“It is important that we join our hands in solidarity with the Davaoenos and remain vigilant. Let us support the authorities as they investigate this dastardly act and ensure the security of the nation,” he said.
“Terror succeeds if we will allow this event to sow fear among the populace. Let’s all pray for Davao and the whole Philippines. May the Almighty God help us during these challenging times,” he added in a statement.
Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, who was in General Santos City at the time of the blast, called for the immediate arrest of those behind the attack.
“I call on our police and other law enforcement agencies to have relentless efforts in the investigation of the incident. I condole with the families of victims and let us offer prayers to the wounded for their speedy recovery,” he said. CDG
