Palace commends SC ruling upholding 3rd martial law extension in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Tuesday said the Supreme Court’s ruling affirming the legality of the third martial law extension in Mindanao shows that they have “forged a unified stand against the forces of rebellion and terrorism.”

“We are also pleased to note that the Executive, Legislative and the Judiciary are on the same page in quelling the rebellion as well as combatting and dissipating terroristic acts destructive to lives and properties unleashed by ruthless and barbaric local and foreign armed lawless elements,” Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

He then asked the Filipino people to support the country’s defenders as the government fast tracks the rehabilitation of Marawi and promote security and peace and order in Mindanao.

“Let us remain vigilant and prevail against these anti-democratic forces,” Panelo said.

The SC on Tuesday voted 9-4 in favor of upholding the constitutionality of the extension of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of habeas corpus in Mindanao until December 31 this year.

READ: Supreme Court OKs 3rd martial law extension in Mindanao

Last December,  Congress voted 235-28 in favor of the extension of martial law.

READ: Congress approves 3rd martial law extension in Mindanao

Four petitions challenged the legality of the third martial law extension. The petitions were filed by opposition lawmakers led by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, the militant party-list lawmakers led by Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, the group led by former Comelec chair Christian Monsod, and the lumad from Mindanao assisted by the Free Legal Assistance Group. /ee