Contrary to the belief of most of her colleagues on the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno said the 1987 Constitution set a geographical restriction on President Duterte’s prerogative to put the country or any part of it under martial law. In her 51-page dissenting opinion, the Philippines’ first female Chief Justice argued that “it is possible and feasible to define the territorial boundaries of martial law” under the 1987 Charter. Interestingly, Del Castillo cautioned during oral arguments in the court that Mr. Duterte’s decision might “embolden” him to implement martial law nationwide. If this is so, why declare martial law over the whole of Mindanao?” said the Chief Justice. “There is insufficient showing that the requirements of public safety necessitated the declaration of martial law over the entire Mindanao,” Caguioa said.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 06, 2017 23:15 UTC