LIVE: Supreme Court tackles constitutionality of war on drugs
President Rodrigo Duterte won the presidency with the promise to ruthlessly rid the country of drugs and criminality. Police records over 6,000 deaths under investigation, while human rights group put the death toll under the administration's drug war at 13,000. The government, on November 21, will face the 15-member court to defend its constitutionality. AP/Bullit Marquez
MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court on Tuesday will deliberate on the consolidated petitions filed against the government's bloody drug war through oral arguments.
The petitions were filed by kin of drug war victims. They challenged the constitutionality of a Philippine National Police memorandum ordering the "Oplan Double Barrel" and the Department of the Interior and Local Government's memorandum on "Masa Masid" or the community dropbox project.
The petitioners, represented by members of the Free Legal Assistance Group and Center for International Law, also seek a Writ of Amparo or protection against authorities.
Solicitor General Jose Calida will represent members of the government named as respondents in the petitions. They are PNP chief Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, DILG officer-in-charge Catalino Uy, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and other members of the police force.
Tune in our live audio streaming of the oral arguments scheduled at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2017.
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