Biz, other groups call to uphold rule of law amid political crisis

Amid the ongoing tension between Vice President Sara Duterte and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., First Lady Lisa Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, the country’s biggest business organizations, among other groups, are in consensus in calling for the government’s upholding of the rule of law.

The Makati Business Club (MBC) and the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), with the backing of several organizations, expressed their profound concern over recent statements and actions that threaten the stability of the constitutional order and the country.

“The resolution of political disagreements must adhere to legal and democratic processes. Resorting to threats, incendiary rhetoric, or any form of violence has no place in a nation founded on the rule of law. To this end, we strongly urge all public officials and political leaders to demonstrate restraint, uphold the dignity of their offices, and prioritize the welfare of the Filipino people above political interests,” the joint public statement, released on Friday, said.

But on Friday, President Marcos Jr. said he is not closing his doors to a possible settlement with Vice President Duterte despite the ruckus that has been ongoing for more than a month.

"Never say never. I believe we reached the point of no return, and it is clear [that] they are going after me,” the Vice President, for her part, said.

AFP must be steadfast

Meanwhile, the groups said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) play a vital role in safeguarding the Constitution and protecting our nation from threats, both internal and external.

“We call on the AFP and all institutions to remain steadfast in their constitutional mandates and to ensure that all their actions are grounded in the principles of legality, impartiality, and service to the nation. Deviations from their mandate will (definitely) erode confidence in our country’s business environment and, worse, it could endanger the very foundations of our democratic society,” they said.

AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla stressed in an earlier statement that the command will not be involved in political issues after former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte called on the military to defend the Constitution in his latest outburst against President Marcos Jr.

Moreover, the groups urged investigative agencies, including Congress, to conduct their inquiries impartially.

“Ensuring public trust requires investigations to be conducted fairly, transparently, decently, and free from political biases and influence. Accountability must be pursued within the bounds of due process, ensuring that justice is not only done but is seen to be done,” they said.

“In these challenging times, we the undersigned organizations call on our people to remain vigilant and steadfast in upholding the rule of law amidst political tensions. The strength of our institutions and the resilience of our democracy depend on our collective resolve to remain loyal to the Constitution and reject efforts to erode public trust in good governance,” the groups maintained.

Aside from MAP and MBC, the groups that signed the joint statement include the Justice Reform Initiative, Ateneo de Manila Law Alumni Association, Energy Lawyers Association of the Philippines, Filipina CEO Circle, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Institute for Solidarity in Asia, Institute of Corporate Directors, Integrity Initiative, Inc., Philippine Women’s Economic Network, Shareholders Association of the Philippines, and the Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service.