Drilon says only Congress can extend martial law

Presidential Chief Legal Adviser Salvador Panelo and Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon. INQUIRER FILE PHOTOS

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Thursday reiterated that President Rodrigo Duterte cannot extend martial law in Mindanao, saying it’s only in the hands of Congress.

“The Constitution is clear that it is Congress that has the power to extend martial law and the President may only recommend,” Drilon said in a statement.

Drilon was disproving claims that the President could just issue a new martial law proclamation if Congress does not extend Proclamation 216 placing Mindanao under martial law.

READ: Duterte: Decision to extend martial law up to military

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said Duterte might redeclare martial law if the two chambers of Congress would not approve the request for extension.

The 60-day period of  martial law in Mindanao will lapse on July 22. Duterte placed the entire Mindanao region under martial rule when clashes between government forces and rebels from the Maute terror group erupted last May 23.

“If Congress does not extend on the 60th day upon initiative of the President, then there can be no extension. Another proclamation is necessary,” Panelo said.

Some lawmakers and security officials were supportive of the extension of martial law in Mindanao, saying the military needs more time to contain the terrorists in Marawi City. JPV/rga