G.R. No. L-35546 – 59 SCRA 183 – Political Law – Constitutional Law – Martial Law – Habeas Corpus – Power of the President to Order Arrests
Enrile (then Minister of National Defense), pursuant to the order of Marcos issued and ordered the arrest of a number of individuals including Benigno Aquino Jr even without any charge against them. Hence, Aquino and some others filed for habeas corpus against Juan Ponce Enrile. Enrile answered that the arrest is valid pursuant to Marcos’ declaration of Martial Law.
ISSUE: Whether or not Aquino’s detention is legal in accordance to the declaration of Martial Law.
HELD: The Constitution provides that in case of invasion, insurrection or rebellion, or imminent danger against the state, when public safety requires it, the President may suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part therein under Martial Law. In the case at bar, the SC ruled that the state of rebellion plaguing the country has not yet disappeared, therefore, there is a clear and imminent danger against the state. The arrest is then a valid exercise pursuant to the President’s order.
