SC sets for Nov. 21 oral arguments on petitions vs war on drugs

The Supreme Court has set for oral argument the petitions against the government’s deadly campaign against illegal drugs for Nov. 21 at 2:00 p.m.

At a press conference, SC spokesperson Theodore Te said two petitions have been consolidated. These are Aileen Almora and Rowena Aparri v. Philippine National Police (PNP) General Ronald dela Rosa, et al., and Sr. Ma. Juanita Daño v. PNP, et. al.

Te said the court gave the parties 10 days upon receipt of notice to comment on the consolidated petitions.

The first petition seeks a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the PNP Command Memorandum Circular (CMC) 16-2016, which supposedly serves as the campaign’s blueprint.

The petitioners are Aileen Almora, sister of extrajudicial killing victim Ryan Dave Almora; Rowena Aparri, mother of victim Rex Aparri; and Jefferson Soriano, who survived a summary execution attempt.

The petitioners are represented by the Free Legal Assistance Group (Flag).

The second petition seeks the release of a writ of amparo against members of the Manila Police District Station 6 from further harassing the petitioners and residents of all barangays in San Andres Bukid in Manila.

The petitioners were represented by the Center for International Law (CenterLaw). /atm