Congress likely to approve martial law extension: Drilon

FILE: Sen. Franklin Drilon (Photo: Senate of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA — Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Tuesday said he expects Congress to approve the extension of martial law extension in Mindanao for another year despite possible opposition by the minority.

Drilon said that it is “expected” because President Rodrigo Duterte has the supermajority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“I think the authorization of Congress to extend martial in accordance with the request of the President is a foregone conclusion,” Drilon told reporters in an interview.

“Congress is a political body and the President has the supermajority in both houses. It is expected that notwithstanding our reservations and opposition, the Congress will authorize the extension of martial for one year in the entire Mindanao, as requested by the President,” he added.

Drilon said both chambers will go through the same motions it did the last time it convened to tackle the issue of martial law extension.

It may be recalled that the Congress extended martial law in July until yearend.

He, meanwhile, said the Supreme Court will eventually have to decide whether or not there is, in fact, a factual basis for the extension of martial law in the entire Mindanao.

“I think Congress will heed the President’s request and ultimately, the Supreme Court will have to decide on the validity of the extension,” Drilon said.

The senator also said that the Senate minority will, however, still put on record their objection.

“We will raise constitutional issues. There is no armed uprising or actual rebellion, which is a requirement under the constitution for an extension,” the senator added.

Asked if the minority also planned to question the extension of martial law before the Supreme Court, Drilon said that that the bloc has not decided yet.

“No, we’re not decided on that. I am sure there are groups who will bring it up to the Supreme Court,” he added.

The Senate, Palace, and security officials are currently in a closed-door meeting to discuss the proposed extension.

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel earlier said that the Congress will be holding a joint session on Wednesday (December 13) to discuss the proposed one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao. (PNA)