Sen. de Lima, prof slam poll exec's 'military arrest' remark

Lawmakers have criticized Election Commissioner Rey Bulay's statement that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) would not hesitate to call on the military to arrest critics.

Senator Leila de Lima stated that Bulay's remarks were illegal and unconstitutional, as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) can only exercise law enforcement powers when called upon by the commander-in-chief to suppress lawless violence.

De Lima emphasized that neither Bulay nor the Comelec holds the authority of commander-in-chief, and Comelec's deputization powers during elections do not extend to using the AFP to stifle criticism or suppress free speech.

Bulay clarified that his remarks were a "warning" to the public to obey laws and desist from inciting violence, not a threat to critics, and were made for the good of the countrymen.

Constitutional law professor Antonio La Viña also asserted that there is no legal basis for such a threat.