Drilon urges Duterte to end Martial law in Mindanao, 'there's no 'unli' martial law'

Senator Franklin Drilon photo from Rappler (ctto)

Manila, Philippines - Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon made a statement on Wednesday (July 24) urges the government to lift the Martial law in Mindanao.

This prompted Drilon to say such a statement after Hermogenes Esperon Jr., National Security Adviser, announced that he would recommend the extension of martial law in Mindanao for another one year.

Drilon added that the government should consider lifting martial law in the region which has been declared since 2017.

He cited Section 18 of Article VII of the 1987 Constitution allows the President to place any part of the country under martial law for a period not exceeding sixty (60) days.

The Senate Minority chief said it has been “too long” since martial was declared in Mindanao and that could be affecting the daily lives of every Mindanaoans.

“We cannot tolerate an ‘unli’ martial law. The continued placing of Mindanao under martial law would set a dangerous precedent not to mention its economic and social implications,” Drilon said.

He said the government security cluster should review the situation in Mindanao and consider the consequences that may result in prolonged martial law.

Drilon also cited that even Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte was considering requesting for an exemption from the declaration of martial law in her city.

“There is nothing that shows actual rebellion and an armed uprising in the region to justify the extension, which is required by the Constitution. There is no perpetual martial law. There must be an end to this,” Drilon emphasized.

 Source: Politiko