Process to extend martial law in Mindanao shouldn’t be rushed—Hontiveros

Senator Risa Hontiveros. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA

Senator Risa Hontiveros has sought for a thorough deliberation for the extension of martial law after President Rodrigo Duterte recommended a 60-day extension of the military rule in Mindanao.

Because, Hontiveros said, asking for a martial law extension is not as easy as ordering from a fast-food restaurant.

“While I look forward to the joint session that Congress will convene on this matter, hindi dapat madaliin ang prosesong ito (this process should not be rushed),” Hontiveros said in a text message on Tuesday.

“Ang paghingi ng Martial Law extension ay hindi parang umoorder lang sa Jollibee. Congress is not a fastfood restaurant,” she said, alluding to a popular local fast-food chain.

Hontiveros stressed that the public has the right to transparent, thorough and deliberative proceedings within which they can be informed of the factual bases of the declaration of martial law in Mindanao and its possible extension.

“From the top of my head, these are some of the questions that need to be answered:

1. How did the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao help in fighting the Maute terrorists, logistically, militarily and legally? This despite the admission of no less than the Solicitor General that Martial Law has no legal difference from the President’s normal powers to “call out” the military.

2. What are the specific elements of Martial Law that contributed to curbing the terrorist threat in Marawi?

3. What are the compelling reasons that would justify the extension of Martial Law in Mindanao?

4. How would the extension of Martial Law help in fighting and defeating terrorism?” she said.

President Duterte on Monday night met with select lawmakers from the Senate and House of Representatives to discuss the possible extension of martial law in the region.

READ: Congress to convene on martial law extension Saturday

In a television interview, Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III described as “scary” the terrorism situation in Mindanao which Duterte divulged during the meeting.

READ: Ejercito, Sotto back martial law extension, but…

But Sotto said the President told them that “60 days would be enough” to quell terrorism in the area.

Senator Sonny Angara, who was present in the evening meeting at Malacañang, said the President mentioned that “increased activities by the Maute Group and ISIS” are to be expected in the coming days.

“It was a speech by the President peppered with anecdotes and he mentioned needing a few days to stabilize the situation and to clear the occupied buildings in Marawi and surroundings,” Angara said in a text message.

For Senator Grace Poe, she wants to hear first from the security officials before she decides whether to support the extension of martial law or not.

“The AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) will conduct a briefing and update for all senators  on the situation in Marawi. Aside from their inputs, we also have constituents on the ground who will send their feedback. Only then will I be able to determine my position on the Marial Law extension,” Poe said in a text message.

The senators have requested the security officials from the AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP) to give them a briefing on the situation in the strife-torn Marawi City.

Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel II said earlier that the security briefing will be conducted before the 60-day martial law period lapses on July 22.

The Congress will convene in a special session on Saturday, July 22. IDL

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