Opposition solons to question 3rd martial law extension before SC

MANILA, Philippines — Opposition lawmakers are inclined to challenge the third extension of martial law in Mindanao before the Supreme Court (SC).

Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman, leader of the House independent Magnificent 7 bloc, bared this on Thursday, as they stressed that the extension of martial rule in the South for another year has “no Constitutional and factual basis.”

“‘Yung pagdala ng petisyon challenging the third extension of martial law is an option which we are considering. And it is very possible that we are going to file that before the SC,” Lagman told reporters in a press briefing.

“Because we feel very strongly that there is no Constitutional and factual basis for the extension…” he continued.

Article VII Section 18 of the 1987 Constitution states that the High Court “may review, in an appropriate proceeding filed by any citizen, the sufficiency of the factual basis of the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ or the extension thereof, and must promulgate its decision thereon within thirty days from its filing.”

Lagman also said the 18th Congress, in a joint session, has the power to revoke or recall the approval of the martial law extension by the present 17th Congress.  

“Definitely, next Congress has that power to recall the approval by the 17th Congress of the extension of martial law,” he explained.

In a separate press conference, Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao, a member of the independent House Makabayan bloc, said they would also bring the martial law issue before the SC.

“We will be filing, definitely, we will challenge the magistrates,” he said.

In a joint session on Wednesday, Congress granted President Rodrigo Duterte’s request to extend martial law in Mindanao until Dec. 31, 2019 with a vote of 235-28-1. /je

READ: Congress okays 3rd martial law extension in Mindanao