Solicitor General Says EO 62 to Proceed Unless Supreme Court Intervenes

MANILA — The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) confirmed on Wednesday that the government will continue to implement Executive Order No. 62, which reduces tariffs on imported rice and other products, unless the Supreme Court issues a temporary restraining order (TRO).

According to Philippines News Agency, the situation regarding a potential Supreme Court intervention remains uncertain. “We do not know whether the Supreme Court will issue a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) or not in the days to come. I suppose the SC justices are also presently evaluating whether any injunctive relief is necessary. As far as the government is concerned, however, the EO will be implemented unless temporarily restrained by the SC,” Guevarra explained to reporters. He also noted that while the OSG has received the petition challenging the constitutionality of EO 62, it has yet to receive any resolution from the Supreme Court requiring comments.

The statement from the Solicitor General came after the Supreme Court En Banc asked several government agencies to provide their opinions on the petition filed by agricultural groups, including the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura Inc. (SINAG). These groups are seeking a declaration that EO 62 is unconstitutional and have requested the Court to issue a TRO against its implementation.

“The Court, without giving due course to the petition and prayer for TRO, required the respondents to file their comments within a non-extendible period of ten (10) days from notice,” the Supreme Court stated.