Presidents do not resort to martial law unless the circumstances compel its declaration. The window for implementing martial law is narrow and limited; government must act and meet a deadline to get the job done. The maturity test is also for the citizens, who should be able to show support for the President’s action, or dissent from it, with the welfare of the nation and of the people as their concern first and last. Finally, we do not spare the media from this maturity test. The broadcast networks must do a better job in selecting whom to interview and how to interview during the emergency situation.

Source: Manila Times May 25, 2017 16:52 UTC