"If, by declaring martial law in Mindanao, he improves the likelihood that peace in Mindanao would be achieved, then it is a positive move," Diokno added. For that to happen, a citizen must file a petition questioning the justifications for martial law. The 60-day martial law will run until July and will inevitably impact on the second and third quarter GDP prints. Duterte's proclamation has renewed fears of authoritarianism that marked the martial law era under ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who ruled from 1965 to 1986. The Senate is led by Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, who is also president of PDP-Laban.

Source: Philippine Star May 24, 2017 13:39 UTC