Drug war victim families ask SC to declare war on drugs unconstitutional

Families of drug war victims ask the Supreme Court to declare the Duterte administration's anti-drug policies unconstitutional, citing ongoing harassment.

Pulse Daily 07/05/2026 12:06

Drug war victim families ask SC to declare war on drugs unconstitutional — Drug war families seek SC ruling on constitutionality

Families of victims of former President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs have asked the Supreme Court (SC) to declare unconstitutional the policies that underpinned the administration's anti-drug campaign. Through their lawyers from CenterLaw Philippines, the petitioners filed a Manifestation and Urgent Motion for Resolution, urging the High Court to act on cases that have been pending since 2017.

Petition covers 26 Manila communities

The petition covers 26 communities in Manila that allegedly experienced harassment during the height of the war on drugs. For security reasons, the specific locations were not named. The petitioners also ask the SC to declare unconstitutional the Philippine National Police Command Memorandum Circular 16-2016, known as "Project Double Barrel," which served as the basis for anti-drug operations.

Policy still in effect

The policy remains in effect, meaning it could still be used by police as a basis for operations in poor communities. In addition, the families are seeking a writ of amparo, claiming that some families of drug war victims continue to face threats, intimidation, and disinformation.

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Background of Duterte arrest

In March 2025, former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested under a warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of crimes against humanity. He was later taken to The Hague in the Netherlands to face trial.