(Eagle News) — If President Rodrigo Duterte asks for an extension of martial law in Mindanao, “it shall be given.”
This is according to House Majority Leader Rolando Andaya Jr., following statements from the Palace extending the same was an option after the bombing in Sultan Kudarat that killed at least three people.
“The declaration of martial law is the call of the executive. The President declares or extends, Congress concurs,” he said.
He added, however, that the “people of Mindanao should be consulted first.”
As such, he suggested that the Palace call a meeting of the National Security Council or the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council to discuss the Bangsamoro Organic Law and Marawi.
“Sa House, mahalaga ang inputs and views ng Mindanao bloc. Ika nga (as they say), those in or around Ground Zero should be consulted. Civilian views should be part of the discussion,” Andaya said.
