Congress approves 3rd martial law extension in Mindanao | Inquirer News
Extended until Dec. 31, 2019

Congress approves 3rd martial law extension in Mindanao

/ 01:21 PM December 12, 2018

congress house of representatives

Joint session of Congress and Senate on the extension of Martial Law in Mindanao on Dec. 13, 2017.
INQUIRER PHOTO/LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines —  For the third time, Congress gave its nod on Wednesday to President Rodrigo Duterte’s request to extend martial law in Mindanao for another year, a move the Chief Executive said would “put an end to the on-going rebellion in Mindanao.”

A total of 12 senators voted to extend martial rule in Mindanao until Dec. 31, 2019. Five were against and one abstained.

Article continues after this advertisement

On the part of the House, 223 voted to extend, 23 were against, with no abstentions.

FEATURED STORIES

With a final total vote of 235 for an extension, 28 against and one abstention, Congress voted to extend martial rule in the South.

The outcome came after about three hours of debates in a joint session at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.

Article continues after this advertisement

In his letter to Senate President Vicente Sotto III and House Speaker Gloria Arroyo dated December 6, Duterte said “rebellion still persists in Mindanao” and “public safety requires the continuation of martial law.”

Article continues after this advertisement

READDuterte formally asks Senate, House to extend martial law in Mindanao

Article continues after this advertisement

He argued the extension would enable the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies “to finally put an end to the on-going rebellion in Mindanao and continue to prevent the same from escalating in other parts of the country.”

Duterte first declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23, 2017, after the Islamic State-inspired Maute terrorist group attacked Marawi City. He asked Congress for its extension until December of the same year.

Article continues after this advertisement

The President later requested its extension until the end of 2018 despite the government’s declaration of an end to fierce urban fighting in the war-torn area.

Article VII Section 18 of the Constitution states that if there is “invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it,” the President may suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part of it under martial law for not more than 60 days.

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.

However, Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at least a majority of all its members, may extend it upon the initiative of the President. The legislative branch may also choose to revoke such in the same manner. /cbb

TAGS: Congress, Martial law, Mindanao, News, Rodrigo Duterte

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.