President Duterte has asked both chambers of Congress to convene and tackle the extension of martial law on Saturday, July 22. ConfidentLuna also expressed confidence the extension of martial law in Mindanao would pass Congress. In case the conflict in Marawi ends before December 31, the military will recommend the termination of martial law, he said. Recto favors a “shorter expiry” for the extended martial law, “limited to directly affected areas.” He also said a prolonged martial law in Mindanao should be accompanied with “massive reconstruction of homes, livelihood and public works” destroyed by the fighting in Marawi. Zubiri said a five-month extension of martial law in Mindanao was “necessary” to ensure unhampered reconstruction activity in war-torn Marawi City.

Source: Manila Times July 19, 2017 16:29 UTC