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THE Supreme Court has ordered the government to lodge its
explanation to the petition of journalists who sought refuge from
the alleged harassments they suffered from the hands of the security
authorities.
In an en banc resolution, the High Court ordered
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez,
Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, Defense Secretary Gilbert
Teodoro, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Gen. Hermogenes
Esperon Jr. and Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Avelino Razon
to file their comment within a period of 10 days.
The explanation that will be filed by the
government would serve as a basis if a temporary restraining order
will be issued against them, or the case shall be set for oral
arguments.
On Monday, a petition for prohibition was filed
by journalists headed by ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. with its editors
Maria Ressa, Charie Villa, Luchie Cruz-Valdez and a hundred
journalists who cried foul over the advisories and threats against
press freedom issued by government officials.
The petitioners argued that only the High Court
can stop the government officials from continuing its threats
against journalists.
The journalist argued that the Manila Peninsula
siege on November 28, 2007 cannot be used by the government as a
basis to hold them (journalists) responsible and arrested for
obstructing operations by authorities.
The petitioners wanted the High Court to issue a
temporary restraining order against the Justice department’s
advisory on the matter, which was signed by Gonzalez. The advisory
reminded all mediamen that they may incur criminal liabilities if
they obstruct military and police operations.
-- Jomar Canlas
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