Andanar on martial law: ‘Far from reality’

Philippine Presidential Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

MANILA — Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said on Wednesday, the resort to martial law would be “far from reality” at this time, clarifying that President Duterte’s repeated mention of authoritarian rule would be a final resort in case of uncontrollable violence in the country.

Speaking to reporters at the Senate, Andanar said the President only mentioned martial law when “he was asked” during a dinner with reporters at Malacañang Tuesday night.

“All possibilities under the law are open. So any eventuality will have to be faced with a certain action in government,” Andanar said.

“Like when the President said if violence escalates to a point when it could no longer be controlled, that’s probably the reason why the President mentioned that martial law is a contingency plan, a backup plan in case things go out of hand,” he said.

“It’s far from reality, and it’s never crossed the mind of the President. It was only mentioned because it was asked,” he added.

The President had clarified that he was “not a fan” of martial law,” and explained that it was “contingency to meet widespread violence.”

It followed his earlier statement on the possibility of suspending the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, that would allow state authorities to undertake warrantless arrests. He then assured lawmakers that it was just a “passing thought” during a small meeting of the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) on Monday night.

The President’s recent statements has caused jitters, given his known closeness to the family of deposed strongman Ferdinand Marcos. He earlier gave a green light to Marcos’ burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, recently affirmed by the Supreme Court in one of its most controversial decisions.  SFM