Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 5) — With President Rodrigo Duterte’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) happening in two weeks, senators said an extension of the martial law declaration is probable if the Marawi crisis remains unsolved.
President Duterte earlier said an extension of the martial law and suspension of the privilege of habeas corpus is warranted if need be, as clashes in the war-torn Marawi City continue.
Some camps said the Supreme Court decision upholding the martial law might have bolstered an extension, as the 60-day declaration period ends on July 22, two days before Duterte’s SONA.
Sen. Richard Gordon said on the 60th day, martial law will die a natural death, He added if the President intends to extend the declaration, he should tell Congress about it.
“He should send a communication that he is extending it and that we can now approve that for a period to be determined by us,” Gordon said.
After the declaration lapses on July 22 and with the President’s intent to extend martial law, the Constitution says senators and congressmen should convene in 48 hours to discuss it.
According to Article VII, Section 18 of the 1987 Constitution, “Upon the initiative of the President, the Congress may, in the same manner, extend such proclamation or suspension for a period to be determined by the Congress, if the invasion or rebellion shall persist and public safety requires it.”
As the 48 hour period happens to be Duterte’s scheduled SONA, solons said it will be his opportunity to state his reasons for the extension.
However, Sen. Francis Escudero earlier said the President may still call out troops even if the martial law declaration is not extended.
“Ibig sabihin ba ninyo kapag nag-lapse iyong martial law, back to barracks ang lahat ng mga sundalo?” Escudero said on June 29.
[Translation: So you mean to say if the martial law lapses, the soldiers will go back to barracks?]
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Floor Leader Vicente Sotto III said there is a high possibility for the extension has a high possibility.
“I’m looking at the possibility of yes, we might extend, but it could probably be limited to Lanao del Sur or areas where there are no longer any possibilities of conflict,” Sotto said.
Sen. JV Ejercito said he is also inclined to voting for a yes for extension of martial law declaration.
“Probably we’ll grant it. I’m inclined to grant it, to vote for it because there’s no, wala namang instance of abuse eh that’s the more important thing,” Ejercito said.
However, both Senators Sotto and Ejercito said they prefer having another executive session with security officials before SONA-just like what they did before-to know the extent of the situation.
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said the President may have once again declare martial law if the Congress does not approve of its extension.
“If Congress does not extend on the 60th day upon initiative of the President then there can be no extension. Another proclamation is necessary,” Panelo said.
