LP urges Congress: Speak out on martial law extension

The Liberal Party is urging members of Congress to speak up on the extension of martial law in Mindanao and not make the upcoming joint session “an exercise in futility.”

“As representatives of the people in Congress, we will not renege on our duty to assess the basis, propriety, and wisdom of the martial law extension,” the LP said in a statement on Thursday.

“We urge our colleagues to speak up and be heard and not make the joint session an exercise in futility,” it said.

The LP says its members in Congress will be raising questions on the objectives of President Duterte’s call to enforce martial rule in Mindanao for five more months.

“Why does Mindanao need to be placed under martial law for five more months? What are the objectives? What powers does the President want to exercise during this period under martial law that is distinct from the powers granted to him by law and the Constitution?” the party said.

“Under the extension period, what does the President hope to accomplish?” it added.

The Senate and House of Representatives will hold a joint session on Saturday to vote on whether or not to extend martial law in Mindanao. Duterte will deliver his second state of the nation address the next day, July 24.

On May 23, Duterte placed the whole of Mindanao under martial law after members of the Maute terror group attacked and tried to take over Marawi city. CBB/rga