Senators, nat’l security officials tackle martial law in closed-door meeting

If either Senate or House of Representatives finds that there is no need to revoke the martial law proclamation of the President, a joint session may not happen. (Photo: Philippine News Agency)

MANILA— The Senate and some national security officials on Monday met in a close-door meeting to discuss Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and National Security adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. attended the Senate plenary session at 3 p.m., which was adjourned quickly to make room for the close-door meeting.

The Senate has yet to decide to adopt a resolution calling for a joint session.

However, some senators including Senate Pres. Aquilino Pimentel III, Grace Poe, Cynthia Villar, among others said in previous interviews that no senator has expressed plans to call for a revocation of the martial law proclamation.

If either Senate or House of Representatives finds that there is no need to revoke the martial law proclamation of the President, a joint session may not happen.