Opposition congressmen who questioned the declaration of martial law in Mindanao did so because they are “anti-Duterte,” Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said Monday.
Six opposition lawmakers urged the Supreme Court (SC) to nullify President Rodrigo Duterte’s Proclamation No. 216, saying the martial law declaration had no sufficient factual basis.
“The alleged facts contained in Proclamation No. 216 and the President’s Report justifying the imposition of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus turned out to be mostly inaccurate, simulated, false and/or hyperbolic and the list of terrorist acts or incidence of violence are either distant or have been earlier solved with the apprehension and prosecution of the suspected culprits,” the petition read.
Sought for comment, Sotto said the congressmen were “wrong.”
“Well, obviously they are wrong. Even other Asian countries admit there are Daesh operatives in the Philippines. Anti-Duterte lang sila, it’s as simple as that,” Sotto said in a text message.
In a separate text message, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero said that while it is the congressmen’s right to file a petition before the SC, the situation in Marawi City proves the need for martial law.
“That’s their right and prerogative but it seems quite obvious, based on media reports alone, that there is an ongoing rebellion in Marawi,” Escudero said.
In an interview, Senator Sonny Angara said the declaration of martial law was justified.
“Talagang masama yung lagay, masama yung sitwasyon at kumbaga, rebellion siya sa ilalim ng Saligang Batas. Yun ang pananaw namin,” he told reporters.
Angara, however, said that deliberations on the martial law declaration is a welcome move, if only to discuss the issue.
“Iilang kaso pa lang ang na-decide mula nang naipasa yung 1987 Constitution.So dagdag yan sa jurisprudence o yung pagkaintindi natin sa batas,” he said.
Senator Panfilo Lacson echoed the sentiment of Angara, saying “it is best that jurisprudence take its course if only to serve as guide for future emergency proclamations.”
Senator JV Ejercito, for his part, said he was confident that the SC will uphold the lawful declaration of martial law.
“[It] is absolutely necessary to attain genuine and lasting peace in Mindanao,” Ejercito said.
“While anyone has the right to question the factual bases of the proclamation of martial law, as per our Constitution, I urge our citizens to rally behind the commander-in-chief and the brave men and women of our armed forces,” he added.
Sotto, Escudero, Angara, Lacson, and Ejercito were all authors of Senate Resolution 388 stating that “there is no compelling reason to revoke” the martial law declaration.
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