Robredo urges Congress: Review martial law in Mindanao

COMFORTING THE WOUNDED:  In this July 2, 2017 file photo, Robredo visits soldiers wounded in the Marawi clash in May. —OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT PHOTO

MANILA — Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday called on Congress to fulfill its duty to review the declaration of martial law in Mindanao after the Supreme Court upheld the validity of Proclamation 216.

“We expect that Congress will likewise fulfill its Constitutional duty to review, on behalf of the people, the declaration of martial law in Mindanao,” she said in a statement.

The Senate and the House of Representatives last month rebuffed public clamor to hold a joint session to discuss martial law. Instead, the two chambers opted to pass separately a resolution expressing their full support for President Duterte’s proclamation.

Robredo, who earlier expressed support for martial law though she raised questions about its implementation and parameters, called the Supreme Court ruling “an affirmation of the democratic process set in our Constitution.”

“This is an important component of the mandated checks and balances to martial law,” she said.

Robredo also asked the public to remain “vigilant in safeguarding our rights and Constitutional processes.”

She said the people “must continue to work on providing relief for our brothers and sisters affected by the Marawi Clash, and, furthermore, prepare for the more difficult task of helping them rebuild their lives.”

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court rejected petitions to nullify the declaration of martial law in Mindanao.

The entire Mindanao has been under martial law since May 23 following the siege of Marawi City by armed militants from the Maute group, a band of terrorists that had sworn allegiance to the Islamic State.

Fighting continues between government forces and the terrorist elements in the city, leaving hundreds dead and displacing thousands of residents.  SFM