MANILA, Philippines ? (UPDATE) The majority in the House of Representatives is inclined to support President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo?s declaration of martial law in Maguindanao, and her allies even believe it should have been done sooner, according to Speaker Prospero Nograles.

"Majority of members think that the decision by the President is correct. Fact is many say it should have been done sooner," Nogales said in a statement.

At the same time, Nograles said the Senate and the House did not need to convene into a joint session to formally approve the proclamation.

Lakas-Kampi spokesman Representative Antonio Alvarez echoed Nograles and said the decision was not a knee-jerk reaction.

"She should have declared it a long time ago as signs point to lawlessness in the area. But the delay proves that it was a well thought of move, not precipitate, and carefully calculated," Alvarez said.

He allayed fears that the province would be a no-man's land.

"Human rights groups have nothing to fear as this pocket martial law has an expiry date, that it will be lifted once the situation normalizes, which, given the unchallenged presence of government forces in the area, would come soon," he said.

Nograles said he would author a resolution of support for the proclamation and call a caucus to discuss the matter before the session this Monday.

?Joint session [is] needed only if Congress wants to revoke the decision. It?s not needed to go into joint session if we agree with the President,? he said in a text message.

Congress resumes session on December 7.

The Constitution states that ?Within forty-eight hours from the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, the President shall submit a report in person or in writing to the Congress.?

?The Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at least a majority of all its Members in regular or special session, may revoke such proclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be set aside by the President. 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,? it added.