MANILA, Philippines -- The Arroyo government officially submitted to Congress its report on the declaration of martial law in Maguindanao province on Sunday night, in compliance with a constitutional requirement.

"In compliance with the Constitution, the President has submitted her report to Congress," Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said Sunday night.

"She personally rendered the report to congressional leaders starting at 8:30 p.m.," Remonde said.

The President?s 20-page report, counter-signed by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, was received by the House of Representatives secretary general at 8:58 p.m. and the Senate at 9:11 p.m., said Remonde.

The report contains the basis for Proclamation 1959, signed by Ms Arroyo on Friday to protect and restore civil authority in Maguindanao, in the face of alleged attempts by the Ampatuan political clan to defy police and military authorities in investigating the Nov. 23 massacre in Maguindanao.