Press Release
September 3, 2016

Statement of Senate President Pro-Tempore Franklin M. Drilon on the declaration of a state of lawlessness

I condemn in the strongest terms the dastardly act of killing and wounding innocent civilians. But I see it as an isolated incident.

While I do not see any widespread lawless violence in other parts of the country to justify calling on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to suppress such lawless violence, I defer to the judgment of the President who has access to intelligence information.

The President, however, must be prudent in such declaration because of its effect on our economy, investment and business climate, especially our tourism. Under our Constitution, a declaration of lawless violence has no implication on civil liberties.

There is need, however, for the Palace to clarify its parameters to allay the fears of our people.

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