Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles explained earlier that President Duterte’s threat of a Martial Law-like quarantine is just a warning as the 1987 Constitution is clear that a pandemic cannot trigger Martial Law.
“Parang ang sinasabi lang ni Pangulo, kung talagang magmamatigas ang mga pasaway police (The President was just saying that if violators keep being stubborn), then we will really employ and ask the military to come in and help the police,” Nograles said.
“The President is only trying to emphasize to the people that he also has the ability to ask for the AFP and military to help impose order if need be. He has that power, so warning sa violators at sa mga lumalabag na pasaway na umayos kayo (it’s a warning to violators, they need to straighten up),” Nograles added.
Nograles assured the government is doing all necessary measures to control the situation.
He also defended Health Secretary Duque III and expressed surprise with the list of names being floated to replace him, following the resolution of some senators calling for Duque’s resignation.
