Malacañang allays martial rule fears under Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has allayed fears about President Rodrigo Duterte's statement on martial law — an offshoot of Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno's serious concerns on the inclusion of some judges in the administration's anti-drug campaign.

 

"The President merely asked a rhetorical question and said it under the context that his anti-drug campaign cannot wait for the slow wheels of justice — PH style," Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said.

 

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Andanar noted that Duterte has tapped the executive powers he has under his disposal to pursue the drug campaign. He added that the president is careful about undermining any institution in the government. 

 

With Duterte's anti-drug campaign marred by extrajudicial killings and shame campaign, the secretary maintained that the president is keen on respecting rights of Filipinos.

 

"The President has made use of executive powers at his disposal, knowing fully well the limits of these powers, and without undermining the constitutional separation of powers nor infringing upon the rights of citizens," he said.

 

Andanar said the public should understand the urgency to destroy the tentacles of drug syndicates in the country.

 

"We have an Action Man for a President who believes justice delayed is justice denied. He is the type, who at the onset of his presidency, simply wants to hit the ground running and rid society of drugs, crime, and corruption with urgency," he added.

 

"He is working very hard to deal with the drug menace head-on, by removing fear from among the civilians and bringing it back to the hearts of drug protectors, criminals and corrupt officials," the secretary said.