Arguing that the executive branch has no power to shut down the world-famous Boracay, some residents of the island urged the Supreme Court (SC) to stop the government’s decision to close the white sand beach for six months starting today, April 26, for its rehabilitation.
The petitioners Mark Anthony Zabal, Thiting Estoso Jacosalem, and Odeon Bandiola are seeking for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against President Rodrigo Duterte’s shutdown order, saying that he violated the law of separation of powers.
“Police power is exercised through legislative bodies. It is the plenary power vested in the legislature to make statutes and ordinances to promote the health, morals, peace, education, good order or safety and general welfare of the people,” they said.
The president, even as the highest official in the country, “simply cannot arrogate unto himself a power which the constitution does not give him,” they added.
The petitioners also said that the closure would only be suitable if there is a “national security, public safety or public health situation calling for the curtailment of the right to travel,” conditions the group said are not present.
(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 04/ 26 /18)