Aug. 10, 2016 – News Releases

PCOO_insidepage_NEWS
10 August 2016
PCO Sec.Andanar on PRRD’s statements: On the names in the list
The President’s primary concern is to deliver effective action to the people. By calling out the names of the judges on the list, he is giving them every chance and opportunity to be prepared to defend themselves, clear their names if they are innocent, and alert the community of their involvement in drugs if they are guilty. Not everybody will applaud him for his audacity, but the President is putting his life, his honor, and the presidency at stake. His love for the people is greater than his fear for his own life, or the fear of embarrassment, failure, or mistake.
PCO Sec.Andanar on PRRD’s statements: On the Constitutional Crisis
The President is a member of the bar who believes in the rule of law and advocates for judicial independence. As President, he has the sworn duty to uphold and defend the Constitution. The words and action of the President all point to these. When the President referred the named judges on his consolidated list to the Supreme Court, he was acknowledging the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court over the judges. He recognizes the separation of powers, and even asked the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court not to create a constitutional crisis.
Presidential Spokesperson Abella on PRRD Statement in allowing public protest for Ex-Pres. Marcos burial
President Rodrigo R. Duterte declared this morning that he will allow public demonstration protesting the burial of former president Ferdinand Marcos, and will assign only a minimum number of policemen to direct traffic.
PCO Sec.Andanar on PRRD’s statements: On the fear of Martial Law
he 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. 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.

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 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.