Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 18) — Vice President Leni Robredo on Wednesday urged a thorough discussion in Congress on President Rodrigo Duterte’s request to extend the implementation of martial law in Mindanao.
Congress will convene in a special joint session on July 22, Saturday, when the 60-day limit of martial law in Mindanao lapses, to debate on President Duterte’s request.
“Mas mabuti din na iyong Kongreso, parang pagdebatehan siya at pag-usapan, para kung iga-grant ito, iga-grant dahil pinag-usapan nang maayos. Kung ide-deny naman, ide-deny siya kasi napag-usapan nang maayos,” Robredo told reporters, a statement from the Office of the Vice President said.
[Translation: It’s better that Congress discuss and debate on this, so that if the request is granted, it’s because of a thorough discussion. If the request is denied, it’s denied still because of a thorough discussion.}
Robredo made the remarks on the sidelines of a visit to one of her urban poor projects “Metro Laylayan” in Barangay Catmon, Malabon.
The President, in a letter addressed to Congress leaders on Tuesday, said he wants to extend the imposition of martial law in Mindanao until the end of the year due to a “looming situation” over threats from local terror groups.
Read more: Duterte wants to extend martial law until end of 2017
“Pakinggan natin iyong dahilan kung bakit kailangang mag-extend,” Robredo said.
{Translation: Let’s listen to the reason why it has to be extended.}
Senate President Koko Pimentel is confident the Congress supermajority will grant the extension and coverage of martial law, but it may hit a snag during talks of the length of the imposition of martial law.
Read more: Senators divided on proposed martial law extension up to December
Security officials are briefing senators today on the Marawi crisis in preparation for the special joint session.
