Lawmakers from the opposition in the House of Representatives on Monday questioned before the Supreme Court (SC) the declaration of martial law in Mindanao by President Rodrigo Duterte. The petitioners maintained that the martial law declaration was bereft of sufficient factual basis and called for its nullification. Solicitor General Jose Calida however said that he is ready to defend the President’s declaration of martial law. “Who are these rabble-rousers to say that there is no factual basis for the declaration of martial law?” Calida said in a statement. “Nowhere in the Constitution does it state that the President’s declaration of martial law needs the recommendation or concurrence of the Defense Secretary, or any cabinet official,” Calida added.

Source: Manila Times June 05, 2017 16:18 UTC