These questions arise in the light of the provision in the 1987 Constitution regarding martial law (Section 18, Article VII). With the foregoing clarifications, the following questions immediately crop up: first, is it constitutional to declare the martial law in Mindanao for one year? Concededly, the questions have become moot and academic as far as the declaration of martial law in Mindanao one year ago. The more relevant and arguable questions refer to its extension for another year which Congress has just approved voting separately. The nagging question therefore in the peoples mind up to now is, why the armed forces were not able to do so?

Source: Philippine Star December 13, 2018 15:56 UTC