Bookmark to watch at 9 AM
MANILA, Philippines – The Senate and the House of Representatives will convene in a joint session on Wednesday, December 12, to discuss President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for yet another year-long extension of martial law in Mindanao.
The 12-month extension Congress earlier granted Duterte expires on December 31 this year. Prior to this, there was a 5-month request following the 60-day declaration.
Duterte first declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23, 2017 through Proclamation Number 216 after government troops clashed with homegrown terrorists from the Maute Group and Abu Sayyaf Group in Marawi City.
The 1987 Constitution allows the President to declare martial law for a maximum of 60 days only or until July 22 in this case. Any extension would require approval from both houses of Congress.
With the goal of “total eradication” of Islamic State-inspired terror groups in Mindanao, the President has asked Congress to extend martial law in the region by one year – twice already. – Rappler.com
READ related stories:
- No actual rebellion, no data to back martial law extension – lawmakers
- Lorenzana: Fair, peaceful 2019 polls in Mindanao if martial law extended
- Castro: I’m proof of martial law abuses in Mindanao
- Congress extends martial law in Mindanao to end 2019
- Martial law extension needed for ‘public safety’ – Mindanao congressmen
- ‘Martial law cannot be the new norm in Mindanao’ – Drilon, Escudero
- Malacañang thanks Congress for 3rd martial law extension
There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.