Business groups have joined the voices of several groups who commended the Supreme Court in a landmark decision upholding the primacy and inviolability of human rights as enshrined in the Constitution.

“We thank the Court for delivering a message that no citizen should be deprived of his personal liberty based on unlawfully obtained evidence, such as in an illegal search or a warrantless arrest,” the business groups said in a statement.

According to them, the business community are highly encouraged by the Court's determination to uphold the rule of law over the rule of men.

“We appeal to all the sectors of the government, as well as ordinary citizens, to be watchful and to help ensure that constitutional rights are always protected, and that those who violate the same are held accountable,” they said.

“Truly, our officials are sworn ‘to do justice to every man’.”

Businessmen said there is nothing more sacred in society than the rule of law and justice.

Signatories to the joint statement include the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Institute of Corporate Directors,
Institute for Solidarity in Asia, Investment Houses Association of the Philippines, Judicial Reform Initiative, Makati Business Club,
Management Association of the Philippines, Shareholders Association of the Philippines, American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, and European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.