SolGen lauds SC decision on martial law extension in Mindanao

Calida said the affirmation by SC of Congress’ Joint Resolution No. 4 fortified its earlier decision finding the existence of a real and present rebellion in the whole of Mindanao. (PNA Photo)

MANILA — The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court (SC) decision affirming the constitutionality of the full-year extension of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao as part of the government’s campaign to quell terrorism in the region.

“To this day, the rebellion continues – impeding on the daily lives of our fellow Filipinos, and threatening our country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. I am grateful to the magistrates of the Supreme Court for deciding in favor of the government, and for being one with the President in protecting this country,” Solicitor General Calida said in a statement.

”We’re grateful that the Supreme Court decided in favor of the government by a vote of 10-5. This legal victory will usher in the prosperity of Mindanao after the rebellion is quelled,” Calida noted.

Voting 10-5, the high court dismissed the petitions seeking to stop the one-year extension given to the Mindanao martial law.

In its decision, the high tribunal ruled that “the Court finds sufficient factual bases for the issuance of Resolution of Both Houses No. 4 and declares it as constitutional.”

“Petitioners failed to satisfy the requisites for the issuance of an injunction. The claims of violation of human rights are speculative and lack a nexus between the exercise of martial law powers and their apprehension of such violations,” SC spokesman Theodore Te explained about the ruling.

Calida said the affirmation by SC of Congress’ Joint Resolution No. 4 fortified its earlier decision finding the existence of a real and present rebellion in the whole of Mindanao.

The top government counsel also said this legal victory would significantly help not only the Armed Forces, but also other stakeholders, in putting an end to the on-going strife, and in restoring public order, safety, and stability in Mindanao.