Malacañang slams Sison’s remarks on martial law extension

Malacañang slammed on Wednesday the latest remarks of Communist leader Jose Maria “Joma” Sison on the possibility of another extension of martial law in Mindanao.

READ: Sison hits Palace moves to extend martial law in Mindanao

“The remarks therefore of Mr. Jose Ma. Sison that PRRD (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte) would declare nationwide martial law to ensure his stay in power is downright ludicrous. Mr. Sison has been foisting that martial law bogey for more than a year now as part of his psywar campaign against the administration,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

“All his forecasts have fallen flat on the ground. This just shows that Mr. Sison, who has spent almost three decades of high living in Europe, simply lost his marbles and is already out-of-touch of the political realities in the Philippines,” he added.

The Palace official pointed out that the President has “repeatedly and consistently said that he will step down“ the day his term expires on June 30, 2022, as provided for in the constitution.

Though there is no recommendation yet from the state security officials to extend martial law in Mindanao, Panelo earlier said Malacañang was inclined not to oppose it.

However, he stressed that the extension of martial rule in Mindanao would depend on the recommendation of the military to the President.

READ: Palace: There might be need to extend martial law if…

“It is only when the conditions outlined by the Constitution can the martial law be proclaimed,” Panelo said.

“President Duterte has articulated on numerous occasions that he would not impose martial rule unless so required by the command of the Constitution,” he added.

The Presidential spokesperson also said that Sison “has lost the leadership of the communist cadre as its hardcore leaders have not enforced the pre-conditions agreed upon for the resumption of peace talks.”

“With the lack of support from these leaders who are now woke of their unfair relationship with him, he is now left with just issuing rehash statements from the safe and comfortable environment of his exile,” Panelo said. /ee