Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 14) — Petitioners on Friday filed a manifestation before the Supreme Court expressing urgency for the magistrates to decide on petitions on the declaration of martial law in Mindanao.
The Supreme Court has yet to hear and rule on at least two petitions asking it to compel Congress to convene and review the martial law declaration.
Former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay, who headed the petitioners, said as the declaration expires in ten days, a joint Congress session must examine martial law as President Rodrigo Duterte might seek an extension of the declaration.
Duterte declared martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus on May 23, following the attack of the ISIS-linked terror group Maute in Marawi City.
He has since repeatedly said that he would lift martial law in Mindanao once the threat had been neutralized.
Hilbay added the probe should not just come as a resolution, but through a thorough deliberation.
Meanwhile, former Commission of Human Rights chair Etta Rosales echoed Hilbay’s sentiments, saying the lawmakers have the responsibility to probe the declaration.
However, the respondents, through the Office of the Solicitor General, said the Senate and the House of Representatives would convene only to either junk or extend martial law.
The Supreme Court on July 4 voted to uphold the martial law in Mindanao, as 11 justices voted to junk the three consolidated petitions questioning its legality.
One justice was in favor of granting the petition to lift martial law for lack of factual basis, while three others voted to partially uphold the proclamation within a limited area of coverage.
