Malacañang on Monday said President Rodrigo Duterte’s pronouncement that he might suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus was a “stern warning” to lawless elements and perpetrators of violence. “As we are under a state of emergency on account of lawless violence in Mindanao, and should conditions are in place that demand it, the President may have this option. This serves as a stern warning to lawless elements that he would use his executive powers in accordance to what the Constitution allows,” he added. ADVERTISEMENTIn September, Duterte declared a state of emergency on account of lawless violence in Mindanao following a deadly explosion that took at least 14 lives in his hometown of Davao City. “But if you force my hand into it, I will declare the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, not martial law.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer November 14, 2016 03:45 UTC