Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 11) — Congress will hold a joint session on Wednesday to decide on President Rodrigo Duterte’s request to extend martial law in Mindanao for a year, according to House Majority Leader Rudy Farinas.
In a message to reporters Monday, he said that members of both the majority and minority blocs in the lower chamber will meet in a caucus on Tuesday to discuss the matter.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Local Government Undersecretary Catalino Cut, and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzano — one of the officials who recommended the one-year extension to Duterte — were invited to attend the caucus.
In a letter dated December 8, Duterte asked Congress to approve the extension of martial law on the island until December 31, 2018. He said this was necessary to quell the “intensified” rebellion of the New People’s Army, and attacks by foreign and local terrorist groups.
READ: Duterte cites attacks of NPA, other terror groups in request to extend martial law in Mindanao
This is the second time the President has asked for an extension. Congress granted the request on July 22 — when the 60-day period for martial law was supposed to expire — effectively stretching military rule in Mindanao until December 31 this year.
Duterte declared martial law on May 23 when the ISIS-inspired Maute terror group attacked Marawi City where it waged a war against government troops for almost five months.
Congress goes on a Christmas break on December 15, and will resume sessions after a month. However, the President can call for a special session of the legislature any time.
