PRRD will honor law at all times: DOJ

FILE: Malacañang on Friday said President Rodrigo R. Duterte still believes that corporal punishment is an effective way of disciplining children that is why he vetoed a bill banning its practice. KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday said President Rodrigo Duterte will honor the rule of law and the Constitution.

“As a lawyer, the President knows the scope and limitations of his constitutional powers and he will always act in accordance therewith,” said Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, adding that is within the President’s prerogative to protect the public’s interest at all times.

The justice chief’s remarks came after Duterte warned on Wednesday that he might suspend the writ of habeas corpus to defuse destabilization activities by terror groups and their allies.

“(W)hat I know is that he is getting exasperated about endless roadblocks to his attempts to protect the people’s interests,” Guevarra said.

As an example, Guevarra mentioned that the President is being enraged by criticisms, which are always out to discredit his actions.

“For example, he orders a review of contracts containing terms that are perceived to be onerous to the government and the people.

Some critics warn him to be careful in doing so, as it may send wrong signals to investors, lenders etc. The President gets angry because his intention in ordering such review is to protect the interests of the general public, not those of the rich,” the DOJ chief said.