Leaders of the House of Representatives Express support towards Duterte’s Call to Extend Mindanao Martial Law

Congress has been called to a special session this coming Saturday, July 22nd, by the President to discuss the viability of extending Proclamation 216, the mandate which placed Mindanao under martial law. Martial law, under the constitution, is only good for up to 60 days unless extended by Congress, and as such is otherwise set to end on the same date as the special session.

“They [Congress] have to discuss and consider the actual parameters to extend martial law and suspension of the writ of habeas corpus,” said Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella.

Rodolfo Fariñas, House Majority Floor Leader, stated that the special session is scheduled to begin at 9 AM but remained silent on how long President Duterte wants to extend the martial law, saying that we should instead wait for the President’s formal letter to congress.

Yesterday though, December 31, 2017 has been revealed to be the date up to which the President wants to extend martial law.

“I support President Duterte’s call to Congress for a special session on Saturday, July 22. It  is in accordance with the Constitution. I fully believe that he considered all the available information and intelligence reports before coming up with such a decision,” said Batangas Rep.  Raneo Abu, House Deputy speaker.  

The congressman, together with Sherwin Tugna, Citizens Battle against Corruption party list representative and chairman of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, has expressed full support towards Duterte’s intention to extend the proclamation. Tugna also said that “President Duterte’s action is compliant with the Constitution. I personally believe that Marawi needs the extension of martial law so that the military and police can weed out the Maute, ISIS and their collaborating sympathizers and terrorists”.

In addition, the chairman of the House Committee on Banks and Financial Intermediaries, Eastern Samar Representative Ben Evardone, also said that if the situation warrants it, he will also support the president’s will to extend martial law in Mindano. “I think the problem on terrorism is so complex and so grave that (it) warrants a comprehensive and decisive campaign,” Evardone said.

It’s amazing, even if a bit surprising, to see such unity in the government in these troubled times.

Is this finally a step in the right direction? Tell us your views and opinions in the comments below.