Bato: Suspension of habeas corpus to boost drug war

PNP Chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa during the press media briefing on Wednesday Nov. 2, 2016 at the PNP National Headquarters.

Director General Ronald dela Rosa on Monday welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte’s remark that he might suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus to suppress the drug menace in the country.

In a press briefing in Camp Crame, Dela Rosa said the suspension of the privilege would be of great help to the administration’s war on drugs as it would make the job of policemen “easier.”

“Malaki po. Number 1 it will make our job easier. Number 2 it will provide enough deterrence to the drug violators,” Dela Rosa said when asked about would-be benefits of the suspension to the campaign against illegal drug trade.

Dela Rosa also allayed fears that suspending the privilege would be prone to abuse of power by policemen. The writ requires the state to produce the body of a person in custody. Suspending it would essentially allow warrantless arrests.

“Maabuso? Kahit may suspension ng writ of habeas corpus o wala kung talagang abusado ang pulis gagawa talaga ng kaabusuhan ‘yan,” the police chief said. “Kung siya maka-Diyos, makatao, hindi siya mag-aabuso so I’m giving this assurance to the public.”

“We are here to serve and protect. Magseserbisyo kami nang totoo at hindi kami mang-aabuso. ‘Yan ang aming assurance to the public,” he added.

Article VII, Section 18 of the Constitution allows the President to suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus for not more than 60 days “in case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it.”

Presidential legal adviser Salvador Panelo hinted that an armed uprising could be the grounds for the suspension, saying illegal drugs were being used to fund a “rebellion” in the South.

Malacañang on Monday said Duterte’s pronouncement to suspend the privilege of the writ was a “stern warning” to lawless elements and perpetrators of violence, adding that the President might take “more drastic actions” to ensure peace and order in the country if necessary. CBB/rga