Recto on plans to extend martial law: We’ll listen to DND

FILE: Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto (Photo: Sen. Ralph Recto/Facebook)

MANILA — Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto on Friday said that he would have to listen to the reasons of the Department of National Defense (DND) to extend martial law in Mindanao before he could determine if it Is necessary or not.

“We’ll have to listen to them. I don’t know if martial law is allowed for rehab efforts because there’s a continuing war on terrorism,” Recto told reporters in an interview.

Recto, however, said that he Is “open” to extending martial law “depending” on what the DND would cite as reasons.

Asked if there was a chance for the Senate and the House of Representatives to convene in a joint session to discuss the possible extension of martial law, Recto said both chambers had until December 31 to find out.

“We have until December 31 I think, so I don’t know,” the senator said pointing out there has been no formal proposal from the government yet.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon earlier said that the recommendation to extend martial law in Mindanao anew will need the approval of the Congress.

Drilon said that the Congress will decide “on the basis of the evidence presented” before deciding on the need to extend the martial law.

In July, Congress voted to extend martial law in Mindanao until yearend after the proclamation reached its 60-day constitutional limit. (PNA)