PDP LABAN Appeals for Swift Justice: An Urgent Call to the Supreme Court
On Saturday, the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan (PDP LABAN) made an emotional plea to the Supreme Court of the Philippines. This heartfelt open letter, penned by acting chairman Alfonso Cusi, urged the high tribunal to urgently resolve ongoing cases involving former President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
A Voice for Justice
PDP LABAN stepped forward as a “concerned third party,” clarifying that while they are not direct litigants, they represent the shared concerns of Filipinos who deeply care about the legal proceedings at hand. Cusi emphasized, “We write as a third party, as Filipinos who care how these cases are heard and decided.” Their intention isn’t to sway the court toward a specific legal opinion but to advocate for a definitive ruling—one that would help restore stability in these turbulent times.
The Heart of Their Request
The party made one simple, yet powerful request: a prompt decision. Cusi stressed that the Constitution mandates that arrest warrants can only be issued based on probable cause, personally determined by a judge. To this point, PDP LABAN claims no local court has met this requirement related to either Duterte or dela Rosa. “We will respect whatever decision the Court hands down,” he said, showing a commendable respect for the judicial process.
Facing Delays with Urgency
The urgency of their appeal is compounded by what they describe as “severe procedural delays.” A habeas corpus petition for Duterte has been pending before the Supreme Court for nearly 600 days. Cusi pointed out the dangers of prolonged inaction, recalling historical judicial delays reminiscent of the martial law era. “The Constitution guarantees all persons a speedy disposition of their cases,” he reminded the nation, underscoring the importance of timely justice.
The Stakes are High
The political landscape surrounding these cases has become increasingly perilous. With an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) looming over Senator Dela Rosa and authorities labeling him as “armed and dangerous,” tensions are rising sharply. A bounty of P50 million has been placed on his capture, and a one-week surrender deadline has already passed. Without clear legal rulings, the ramifications could spiral into chaos, as conflicting interpretations of the law lead to arbitrary actions.
Cusi warned, “Until the law is settled, each side acts on its own reading of it.” He urged Filipinos to envision the potential fallout of such a scenario—a chaotic scene ignited by fear and confusion, leading to unnecessary violence. “None of this is inevitable; all of it grows less likely the day the Court speaks,” he declared, acknowledging the weight of shared responsibility that rests on everyone’s shoulders.
A Call for Restraint and Resolution
In this poignant letter, PDP LABAN implored the public and all involved parties to exercise restraint. They reiterated the necessity for the Supreme Court to resolve these pressing cases as soon as possible. “To our fellow Filipinos, on every side: you need not agree with us about the law to agree that the law must now speak,” Cusi said.
They called for a ruling—whether in favor of the petitioners or the government—making it clear that only the law should guide the way forward. “Let there be a ruling, so that force never answers what only law should,” he urged.
In a nation where every heartbeat echoes the call for justice, PDP LABAN’s open letter serves as a powerful reminder: the law must rise above chaos, and our shared future depends on it.
