Duterte to Sereno: Would you mind if I rather declare Martial Law?

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte  

Photo by Erik De Castro via Routers and  Rita Salonga via RH News

Manila, Philippines - President Rodrigo Duterte slammed the recent claim of Supreme Court Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno that the President’s ‘narco list’ is premature.

During his visit to the members of the 4^th infantry division of the Philippine Army in Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City, President Duterte asked the Chief Justice if she would prefer him declaring martial law instead.

Duterte refuted the Chief Justice’s challenge to issue a warrant of arrest against the seven justices suspected of being involved in illegal drugs activities.

According to Duterte, as a president his job includes patrolling the streets to catch the criminals; a problem that he inherited from the previous administration, the same administration who appointed Sereno to her post.

Duterte added that crimes will just increase if the process of arresting these suspected narco-personalities will take so long.

The president also issued a warning against the Supreme Court Chief Justice that if she creates a crisis, Duterte will order the Executive branch not to follow her.

Prior to this, Sereno advised the seven justices not to surrender unless a warrant of arrest has been issued against them.

The seven justices are included in the 159 personalities mentioned by President Duterte who are allegedly involved in illegal drugs activities.