Several business groups and civic bodies asked the country’s top political leaders to uphold the rule of law.
The groups, in a joint statement, expressed deep concern over recent actions and statements that threaten the stability of the country’s constitutional order and democratic foundations.
They said political disagreements should adhere to legal and democratic processes, and resorting to threats, incendiary rhetoric or any form of violence has no place in a nation founded on the rule of law.
The signatories include the Justice Reform Initiative (JRI), Ateneo de Manila Law Alumni Association, Energy Lawyers Association of the Philippines (ELAP), Filipina CEO Circle (FCC), Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX), Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA), Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), Integrity Initiative Inc. (III), Makati Business Club (MBC), Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Philippine Women’s Economic Network (Philwen), Shareholders’ Association of the Philippines (SharePhil) and The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS).
“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 groups said.
They also highlighted the vital role of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in safeguarding the Constitution and protecting the nation from both internal and external threats.
The group called on the AFP and other institutions to remain steadfast in their constitutional mandates and to ensure all actions are grounded in legality, impartiality, and service to the nation.
Any deviation from this mandate, the group warned, could erode confidence in the country’s business environment and jeopardize the foundations of its democratic society.
The organizations called for impartiality in investigations conducted by agencies such as Congress, stressing that accountability should be pursued within the bounds of due process, ensuring that justice is both done and seen to be done.
“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,” they said.
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) earlier said the political tensions would have minimal impact on the economy.
NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said, however, the business community is more concerned with the sustainability of the economic agenda.
