Philippine court begins hearings in petition against drugs war

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Local residents look on as police investigate the body of a man who was shot by unidentified gunmen in Makati. Photo: EPA

Published: 8:07pm, 21 Nov 2017Updated: 10:42pm, 21 Nov 2017

The Philippine Supreme Court on Tuesday began hearing arguments in a petition to declare President Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly war on drugs unconstitutional.

More than 3,900 Filipinos have been killed in what the police called self-defence after armed drugs suspects resisted arrest in the 16 month-long campaign. Critics say executions are taking place, with zero accountability, allegations the police reject.

In a petition filed last month, lawyers from the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) argued the anti-drug campaign is unconstitutional because it allows police to kill suspects in the guise of “neutralising” them during raids and sting operations.

Solicitor General Jose Calida talks to lawyer Jose Manuel Diokno of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) as the Supreme Court starts hearings about whether President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war is unconstitutional. Photo: Reuters

“That could be subject to misinterpretation by the policeman on the ground,” Chel Diokno of FLAG told the court, arguing that the term “neutralise” could mean “kill”.

The government chief lawyer, Jose Calida, has said there was never an instruction to kill drug suspects, seeking to dismiss the petition for being “marred by speculation, unfounded information and unsubstantiated arguments”.