Dean Pacifico Agabin interviewed on the possible suspension of the writ of habeas corpus Dean Agabin: Suspension of the writ of habeas corpus would be baseless Dean Pacifico Agabin stated in an interview with 24-Oras GMA News that there is no basis for the President to declare a suspension of the writ of habeas corpus under the present circumstances. Dean Agabin expounds that the country is neither under invasion nor a state of rebellion. The statement comes in reaction to the sentiments expressed by President Rodrigo Duterte that order might be employed if the state of lawlessness spreads across the…

Prof. Tony La Viña: "History cannot be buried" History cannot be Buried Continuing the thread of discussion in his Manila Standard opinion column, Prof. Tony La Viña reflects on the uncertainties regarding the Supreme Court vote on the burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos in Libingan ng Mga Bayani. As Prof. La Viña writes, should the court dismiss the petitions in line with President Rodrigo Duterte's stance on the issue, their deferment would signify that "it is the President who has the competence and authority to make this decision." However, the author juxtaposes the scenario with the petitioners' argument that…

Prof. Jay Batongbacal: Presidents are not expected to make meaningless statements Presidents are not expected to make meaningless statements In an interview with GMA7, Law Professor Jay Batongbacal, who also is the Director of UP Law Center Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea, said it was hard to understand President Duterte’s declaration of severing military and economic ties with the USA; he explained that the latter might even be unconstitutional. President Duterte declared this intent before Chinese businessmen during his recent state visit in Beijing. The complete article can be accessed at: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/585964/news/nation/full-breakup-with-us-difficult-maybe-even-unconstitutional-say-experts.