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David vs. Arroyo

PROFESSOR RANDOLF S. DAVID, LORENZO TANADA III, RONALD LLAMAS, H. HARRY L. ROQUE, JR., JOEL RUIZ BUTUYAN, ROGER R. RAYEL, GARY S. MALLARI, ROMEL REGALADO BAGARES, CHRISTOPHER F.C. BOLASTIG, Petitioners, versus GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, AS PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY EDUARDO ERMITA, HON. AVELINO CRUZ II, SECRETARY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE, GENERAL GENEROSO SENGA, CHIEF OF STAFF, ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES, DIRECTOR GENERAL ARTURO LOMIBAO, CHIEF, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE, Respondents.

G.R. No. 171396 | 2006-05-03

EN BANC
D E C I S I O N
 
 
SANDOVAL-GUTIERREZ, J.:
 
All powers need some restraint; practical adjustments rather than rigid formula are necessary. [1] Superior strength, the use of force, cannot make wrongs into rights.  In this regard, the courts should be vigilant in safeguarding the constitutional rights of the citizens, specifically their liberty.
 
Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban's philosophy of liberty is thus most relevant. He said: "In cases involving liberty, the scales of justice should weigh heavily against government and in favor of the poor, the oppressed, the marginalized, the dispossessed...