Palace is sure gov’t can defend in SC martial law extension in Mindanao | Inquirer News

Palace is sure gov’t can defend in SC martial law extension in Mindanao

By: - Reporter / @NCorralesINQ
/ 09:32 PM January 08, 2018

Harry Roque

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque (Photo by JOAN BONDOC / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Malacañang is confident the government can defend the legality of the extension of martial law in Mindanao before the Supreme Court.

“Well, we can certainly defend martial law as it has been reviewed already by both Houses of Congress, and both Houses of Congress, voting jointly, concluded that there is both factual and legal basis,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Palace briefing on Monday.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Two branches of the government have already ruled that martial law is constitutional and we’re confident that the Philippine government, the executive, can defend this position in the Supreme Court  as well,” he added.

FEATURED STORIES

Human rights advocates and militant groups have questioned before the high court the legality of the extension of martial law in Mindanao.

Roque said there had been no “documented cases of persecution against anyone” since martial rule was implemented in Mindanao.

Article continues after this advertisement

Voting 240-27 with no abstention during a special joint session, Congress authorized the extension of martial rule in Mindanao for the second time.

Article continues after this advertisement
READ: Senate, House allow 1-year martial law extension in Mindanao

Duterte declared martial law in the whole of Mindanao on May 23 after Islamic State-inspired Maute terrorist group attacked Marawi City in an attempt to establish a caliphate there.

READ: Duterte declares martial law in South

Almost two months later, Congress allowed Duterte’s request to extend martial rule in the entire Mindanao region until Dec. 31, 2017. /atm

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Harry Roque, Supreme Court

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.