House Majority Leader Rolando Andaya Jr. believes that Congress should heed the call of President Rodrigo Duterte if he seeks an extension of martial law in Mindanao.
While the extension of martial rule in the southern region beyond the end of 2018 is “the call of the executive” branch, the House leader said Congress should concur with the possible request.
“The declaration of Martial Law is the call of the executive. The President declares or extends, Congress concurs. If the President will ask for it, then it shall be given,” he said in a statement Thursday.
But the lawmaker, an administration ally, said he would suggest that Malacañang call a meeting of the National Security Council or the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council to tackle the progress in the rehabilitation of Marawi City, as well as the implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
“What are the financing bottlenecks for example?” he asked, stressing that the people of Mindanao should be consulted first.
“Bottomline, the people of Mindanao should be consulted. Sa House, mahalaga ang inputs and views ng Mindanao bloc. Ika nga (as they say), those in or around Ground Zero should be consulted. Civilian views should be part of the discussion,” Andaya explained.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea earlier said extending the martial rule in the southern region could be an option following the blast in Sultan Kudarat that killed two people and injured 36 others.
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Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Palace is open to this move, but Vice President Leni Robredo doubts if doing this would prevent any attacks from happening again.
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Meanwhile, House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo supported the possible extension saying that she believes in Duterte.
READ: Arroyo backs martial rule extension in Mindanao after Sultan Kudarat blast
Duterte first declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23, 2017 after the Islamic State-inspired Maute terrorist group attacked the Islamic City of Marawi. Congress later extended it until the end of 2018 despite the government’s declaration of an end to fierce urban fighting in Marawi. /ee