Malacañang on Sunday moved to allay fears over President Duterte’s warning that he might opt to lift the writ of habeas corpus to contain what he claimed was the worsening drug problem in the country and “rebellion” in Mindanao.

Interviewed over state radio DZRB, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the possibility of suspending the writ of habeas corpus was “just an idea that was floated” by the President.

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READ: Duterte warns of suspension of habeas corpus writ | In the know: Suspension of writ of habeas corpus

“His mention about the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, I believe, is pertaining to our problem on illegal drugs,” Andanar said in response to questions from members of the Malacanang Press Corp.

“The problem on illegal drugs has really become severe and widespread… The President is so worried already that’s why he has asked for the help of everybody several times because he cannot solve it on his own,” he said.

He, however, maintained that it did not mean the government failed to put an end to the drug problem within the first six months of the Duterte administration as the President himself had promised repeatedly.

Interviewed over state radio DZRB, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the possibility of suspending the writ of habeas corpus was “just an idea that was floated” by the President.

“This only means that the President discovered only now that the drug problem was this big. It’s that simple. It’s just calling spade a spade,” said Andanar.

He added, “It’s not an overnight campaign. It’s not a campaign that can be done in just six months and the President has already mentioned that. The President has already asked for an extension in the campaign against illegal drugs. It’s not that easy.”

Speaking at an event in Davao City on Friday night, Mr. Duterte said he might temporarily lift the writ of habeas corpus if the “lawlessness” in the country worsened.

He added, “It’s not an overnight campaign. It’s not a campaign that can be done in just six months and the President has already mentioned that. The President has already asked for an extension in the campaign against illegal drugs. It’s not that easy.”

Ironically, the gathering was held in honor of the President’s mother, the late Soledad Duterte, a known anti-Marcos activist in Mindanao.

“If lawlessness becomes widespread, I might be forced to… It’s just my warning to them. I don’t want it because it’s not good,” the President said at the launching of the Pilipinong May Puso Foundation Inc.

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“But if you force my hand into it, I will declare the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, not martial law. I have no political plans,” he said. CBB

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