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Monday, February 27, 2006
Lawsuits v. Proclamation 1017 filed (1:41 p.m.)
MANILA -- The battle over Proclamation 1017 has shifted from the streets to the court.
Two petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court (SC) questioning the legality of the proclamation issued by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo placing the country under a state of national emergency last Friday following an aborted coup attempt.
One petition was filed by a group of alternative lawyers while another was submitted by a group of University of the Philippines (UP) lawyers headed by Harry Roque.
They asked for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the proclamation and general order number 5 as well which directs the police and military to immediately carry out the necessary action to prevent acts of terrorism and lawless violence.
In their 25-page petition, the UP group questions the de facto martial law being implemented by the President without following the requirements of such pronouncement as stated in the Constitution.
The petitioners assailed the legality of the proclamation for repressing freedom of speech, assembly and of the press.
The SC will tackle the petitions when it convenes en banc Tuesday. (Sunnex)
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