“In sum, the factual basis for martial law as affirmed by Congress and the Supreme Court continues to exist. Their debates focused on the factual and constitutional bases for Duterte’s martial law extension request. He said the grounds cited by Duterte and Medialdea for extending martial law are “mere threats” that the administration and state forces could handle without martial law. Francis Escudero and Cynthia Villar could manifest their yes votes for martial law extension. “Besides, there was no report of any military abuses in my area of responsibility since martial law was declared last May,” he said, adding that with martial law in place, the military and the police have also been more visible.

Source: Philippine Star December 13, 2017 16:36 UTC