Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 4) — The Palace assures the public President Rodrigo Duterte will see to it that measures awaiting his signature will not clash with the Constitution.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the statement during his media briefing in Cebu City, when sought for comment on a bill containing provisions that establish when a person can be presumed guilty of drug-related offenses “until proven otherwise” that made it past the House of Representatives.
House Bill 7814 amends the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, aiming to further strengthen the country’s illegal drug prevention and control measures.
“Sa batas po may presumption na alam ng mga mambabatas ang kanilang ginagawa pero habang hindi pa po iyan batas, napakahirap naman pong magkomento ang ating Presidente ‘no,” Roque said. “Bilang tagapagpatupad po ng Saligang Batas naman at lahat ng batas natin, sisiguraduhin ng ating Pangulo na lahat ng batas na nag-aantay ng kanyang lagda ay hindi po salungat sa ating Saligang Batas.”
[Translation: When it comes to laws, there’s a presumption that lawmakers know what they’re doing, but while this measure isn’t a law yet, it will be difficult for our President to comment on it. But as the enforcer of the Constitution and all our laws, our President will ensure all legislation awaiting his signature do not go against the Constitution.]
Roque likewise asked the public to await the measure’s final version, noting its counterpart in the Senate has yet to be passed.
“Samantala po [Meanwhile], we respect the prerogative of our legislators to enact laws dahil yan po ang kanilang trabaho [because that is their job],” he added.
The President is well-known for his unwavering stance against illegal drugs, having led to the launch of a bloody war against them at the start of his term.
