WE would need a different kind of friendship day to save our country from a constitutional crisis. Not the kind between the Philippines and United States, but one for all branches of government.

Today, July 4, is Philippine-American Friendship Day to mark our independence from the United States. Since the date is of lesser impact than it was decades ago when our freedoms were restored, it might as well be a day to have the three branches of government – Executive, Judicial and Legislative – be friends again and respect each other’s roles in a democracy.

The principle of checks and balances enshrined in the Constitution may be put to a test today, July 4, as the Supreme Court is expected to hand down its decision on petitions questioning the basis for the declaration of martial law in the whole of Mindanao.

In less than a month, President Rodrigo Duterte swerved from one who would accept whatever Supreme Court decision to one who would fiercely reject a contrary ruling. Not only will he ignore the Supreme Court ruling, if it decides on the illegality of his martial law proclamation. He said he would also arrest critics of his martial law order.

Duterte said last June 9 he would abide by the Supreme Court decision on pending petitions against martial law. “Of course, we are bound by rules. That’s already the Supreme Court,” he said, according to news reports.

But last July 1, he changed position and said he would ignore the High Court’s findings and rely instead on the recommendations of the Armed Forces. “It’s not dependent on the whim of the Supreme Court. Should I believe them? When I see the situation is still chaotic and you ask me to lift it? I will arrest you and put you behind bars,” Duterte said in a speech.

The worst situation would be if the Supreme Court rules the martial law order is illegal and the President, with the Senate and the House of Representatives, decides to reject it. This could result in a constitutional crisis and a breakdown in government. Any disrespect to the institutions might also signal a similar disregard for rules and laws by individuals.

The three branches of government have to talk to each other and remind one another of the roles they play to keeping our democratic form of government.

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Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao took his loss to Australian fighter Jeff Horn gracefully and in a professional manner when he accepted the judges’ scores. Just minutes after the decision, Pacquiao said that was how the judges saw it.

This was not the sentiment shared by many who felt Pacquiao should have won as he landed more punches than Horn. Punch statistics by CompuBox, a computerized punch scoring system, showed Pacquiao had a 182-92 edge in total punches landed.

There is a grievance procedure if the Pacquiao camp wanted to pursue a complaint. The best direction really is forward to determine who he would fight next or if retirement is what’s left.