Marcos’ ML different from Duterte’s ML – Malacañan

FILE: Harry Roque (PCOO PHOTO)

The Palace on Thursday clarified that the martial law extension in Mindanao under the Duterte administration is different from the martial law during the Marcos regime.

“That this is not the same martial law that we had in 1972. Courts remain functioning, Congress remains existing, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution is enforced,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press briefing.

According to Roque, no local government unit has complained regarding their “fear” of having their mandates be violated during the declaration of martial law since May 23.

“Even in Marawi itself, the local government unit continues to exist and the local mayor himself takes the initiative on the rebuilding of Marawi,” Roque said.

“So I don’t think there’s been any legal basis for the fears of many that there will be the return of dictatorial rule. Neither has there been any systematic or gross violations of human rights so far,” Roque, who is President Rodrigo Duterte’s adviser on human rights added.

He then reiterated the President’s decision to extend martial law in Mindanao is considerate of the reports of “increasing” terrorist activities in Mindanao that can threaten public safety.

(Read: Duterte formally asks Congress for one-year Martial Law extension)

(Read: Pres. Duterte thanks Congress for extending ML in Mindanao)

“I think the reality is with the halt of the peace talks, there will be more military encounters between the Armed Forces [of the Philippines] (AFP) and the New People’s Army (NPA). So we need to be more vigilant,” he explained.

“We’ll just need to be able to deal with threats as they happen… something that may not happen unless martial law is around,” Roque added.

Critics from the Left, however, claim that this move of the President is a prelude to a plan of declaring the military rule on the whole country.

(Read: Colmenares says martial law extension may lead to nationwide declaration)

(Read: Liberal senators oppose Martial Law extension)

(Read: Senate minority: No to martial law extension)

(Read: 1-year martial law extension a ‘blessing in disguise: Lacson)

In a joint session, the Congress approved the President’s plea for the extension.

(Read: Congress grants 1-year martial law extension in Mindanao)

Due to the terror attack of the IS-inspired Maute group that led to the five-month battle to reclaim Marawi, Duterte implemented martial law on the whole island of Mindanao.