The Liberal Party is urging members of Congress to speak up on the extension of martial law in Mindanao and not make the upcoming joint session “an exercise in futility.”“As representatives of the people in Congress, we will not renege on our duty to assess the basis, propriety, and wisdom of the martial law extension,” the LP said in a statement on Thursday. “We urge our colleagues to speak up and be heard and not make the joint session an exercise in futility,” it said. “Why does Mindanao need to be placed under martial law for five more months? What powers does the President want to exercise during this period under martial law that is distinct from the powers granted to him by law and the Constitution?” the party said. The Senate and House of Representatives will hold a joint session on Saturday to vote on whether or not to extend martial law in Mindanao.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 20, 2017 03:07 UTC