House members today lauded the Supreme Court decision upholding the martial law declaration of President Duterte in Mindanao last May 23.
House Deputy Speaker Gwendolyn “Gwen” Garcia said the Supreme Court ruling reaffirms in no uncertain terms the validity of the President’s decision in declaring martial law in Mindanao.
“This is a victory for the rule of law and all law-abiding Filipinos who continue to support and believe in President Duterte,” said Garcia, Rep. Rodolfo Albano III (First District, Isabela) said the Supreme Court decision was easy to understand and should ease all concerns and questions about President Duterte’s martial law declaration.
“It’s obvious..The law is as clear as mud,” said Albano, majority floor leader of the Commission on Appointments.
Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles (1st District, Davao City), chairman of the committee on appropriations, said the Supreme Court ruling puts to rest any and all questions on the validity of President Duterte’s declaration of martial law.
“In other words, the President was clearly and correctly justified in his decision to use the extraordinary powers given to him by the Constitution to protect the integrity of our republic and guarantee the safety of our people. Even the scope of his declaration was correct, when he covered the entire island of Mindanao under martial law to protect its inhabitants and ensure that the rebellion and terrorism would not cross over the other islands of Visayas and Luzon,” said Nograles.
The ruling leaves no doubt that the decision of the President was correct and he should be commended for his swift and decisive action, according to Nograles.
“I would also like to thank the Supreme Court for finally coming out with a ruling that clarifies the legal parameters of the President’s martial law powers and, more importantly, strengthens the country’s institutions. This is democracy at work. Let me congratulate, too, the legal team of President Duterte for competently presenting the martial law case before the Supreme Court,” said Nograles.
With all the three branches of government — Malacanang, Congress and the High Court — taking a common stand on the martial law proclamation in Mindanao, Nograles said there is no more distraction to the urgent task of putting an end to the Marawi City crisis.
“The long task of rebuilding the lives of our poor countrymen affected by the crisis should now proceed without delay. The Supreme Court has spoken. Those who are spreading lies and disinformation about martial law and those who seek to divide us should now put it to rest and for once, start doing something constructive to build our nation. Malinaw ang desisyon ng Supreme Court. Respetuhin natin ito,” Nograles, a lawyer, said.
Another Mindanao lawmaker, Rep. Joel Mayo Almario (2nd District, Davao Oriental) said the Supreme Court ruling was an expected decision.
“The peace and order situation when martial law was declared called for it, and it squarely satisfied the conditions set forth by the Constitution. In fact, the ensuing situation up to now, and up to an uncertain future date, shows the unforeseen strength of the Maute group. It all the more justified and validated the declaration of Martial Law,” said Almario.
The House of Representatives, prior to the sine die adjournment last May 31, adopted in plenary House Resolution 1050, expressing the chamber’s full support for President Rodrigo Duterte as it finds no reason to revoke Proclamation No. 216 which declared a state of martial law and suspended the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the whole of Mindanao last May 23.
The Supreme Court en banc today voted 11-3-1 to uphold the constitutionality of Proclamation 216 or martial law in Mindanao. (30) /RBB ###congressph