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MANILA - The Supreme Court started hearing on Tuesday oral arguments on petitions against the government's campaign against illegal drugs.

Solicitor General Jose Calida will argue the government's case against two separate challenges form lawyers' groups.

One petition, filed by the Free Legal Assistance Group, sought to declare as unconstitutional a police memorandum circular, which it said expressly authorized troops to kill drug suspects.

Another petition from Center for International Law sought to bar police from conducting anti-illegal drugs or anti-crime operations in San Andres Bukid, Manila without the presence of representatives from the barangay, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the media among others.

Both petitions sought a writ of amparo, which may be issued by the high tribunal to any citizen whose rights to life, liberty and security are threatened by unlawful acts from public or private individuals.