MANILA, Philippines (2nd UPDATE) – Seventeen of the 23 senators signed a Senate resolution formally expressing support for President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao.

The Senate, voting 17-5, adopted Resolution 388 filed on Monday, May 29. The following senators voted in favor of it:

1. Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III
2. Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto
3. Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III
4. Juan Edgardo Angara
5. Nancy Binay
6. Joseph Victor Ejercito
7. Sherwin Gatchalian
8. Richard Gordon
9. Gregorio Honasan
10. Panfilo Lacson
11. Loren Legarda
12. Manny Pacquiao
13. Joel Villanueva
14. Cynthia Villar
15. Juan Miguel Zubiri
16. Grace Poe
17. Francis Escudero

“To express the sense of the Senate that there is no compelling reason to revoke Proclamation No. 2016, series of 2017 at this time,” the adopted resolution read.

The measure pointed out that “the Proclamation does not suspend the operation of the Constitution, which among others, guarantees respect for human rights and guards against any abuse or violation thereof.”

Citing the 1987 Constitution and Article 134 of the Revised Penal Code, the 17 senators said they are “convinced” that there is a rebellion in Marawi City, which merits the need for a military rule.

House and the Senate leaders earlier said Congress is “unlikely” to revoke Duterte’s declaration, saying there is also no need to convene both chambers to deliberate on the issue. (READ: No joint session on martial law? Congress ‘shields’ Duterte)

Article 7, Section 18 of the Constitution requires the President to submit  a report within 48 hours of declaration to Congress, which has the power to revoke or extend it through joint voting.

In December 2009, a joint public session was convened at least thrice after then president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared martial law in Maguindanao following the Maguindanao massacre. – Rappler.com