By Meanne Corvera
Eagle News Service
Several senators agree that they want to know the real circumstances on the ground before acting on the recommendation for a one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao.
“I’m open to the proposal to extend martial law in our area of
Mindanao. But I need to listen first to the briefing scheduled by the
(Armed Forces of the Philippines) before I can finalize my decision,” Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri said.
Senator Francis Escudero said that should the “request and justification for extension” be given to them, he would not only ask security officials to brief the Senate “as to the reason for such an extension” but also Malacanang.
Senator Grace Poe said “we should also listen to the feedback from (local government units) in Mindanao.”
Unconstitutional
But Senate Minority leader Franklin Drilon shot down the recommendation for the martial law extension in Mindanao outright.
“The mandate of the Constitution is clear – martial law may be
declared if actual rebellion exists and Congress may extend the
declaration if the rebellion persists. As we see it today, however, the grounds for a continued martial law
in Mindanao, as cited by the AFP and PNP in the media, do not meet the
requirements of the Constitution,” Drilon said.
Formal letter of request
According to Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, they expect the “formal letter of request for extension” to be given to the Senate on Monday.
“Then I immediately will take this up with my colleagues,” he said.
According to Pimentel, if Malacañang asks both the Senate and the House of Representatives to study such an imposition, lawmakers have to hold the joint session.
“We have no choice. (Constitutional) duty ‘yan,” he said.
On May 23, President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao after local terrorists overran Marawi in a supposed bid to establish a caliphate for the Islamic State.
The 60-day limit under the law lapsed on July 22, but Congress extended its imposition until December 31.