Malacañang said that the Congress’ approval of one-year martial law extension in Mindanao shouldn’t cause fear as this will not head to a dictatorial government.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Palace briefing, “I think we have shown for the entire period that martial law has been imposed in Mindanao; 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.”
“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,” he added.
Roque assured that the government is not exploiting its power for even the local government unit in Marawi continues to exist and the local mayor himself takes the initiative in rebuilding the city.
(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 12/ 14 / 17)