SC defers ruling on Mike Arroyo's move to stop watch list order

The Supreme Court has deferred for one more week its ruling on former First Gentleman Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo's petition questioning the watch list order issued against him by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Supreme Court spokesman Midas Marquez confirmed to reporters that the First Gentleman's petition for the issuance of a temporary restraining order against the watch list order was "not tackled" on Tuesday's en banc session. Due to the deferment, the Supreme Court is expected to tackle it instead in next week's en banc deliberation on August 23. The Justice Department issued the watch list order two weeks ago upon the request of Senate blue ribbon committee chair Sen. Teofisto Guingona III, whose committee is looking into the alleged sale of secondhand helicopters to the Philippine National Police in 2009. It was alleged that Mr. Arroyo is the previous owner of the two helicopters sold to the PNP. Mr. Arroyo has repeatedly denied the allegation. Unconstitutional Calling the DOJ's move to have him placed on the watch list as "unconstitutional," Mr. Arroyo on Aug. 12 filed a 19-page petition asking the SC to immediately issue a TRO against the watch list order. In his petition, Mr. Arroyo argued that the watch list order violated in particular Article III of the 1987 Constitution or the Bill of Rights, particularly the provision on the Right to Travel. It also violates Mr. Arroyo's "right to equal protection clause and the right to due process," the former First Gentleman's camp said. Also in his petition, Mr. Arroyo asked the SC to revoke and declare as unconstitutional Department Circular No. 41 which empowers the Justice chief to issue WLO and Hold Departure Orders (HDOs). An individual placed on the Immigration watch list must first ask the DOJ to lift the order before he or she can travel abroad. The person must also present the government-issued clearance before leaving the country. It is less restrictive than a hold departure order, which automatically bars an individual from leaving the country. — RSJ, GMA News