“The Supreme Court should explain why it found enough grounds to say that there is rebellion in Mindanao and, thus, the need to declare martial law. “Had the martial law been limited to Lanao del Sur, we can live with that. If the martial law declaration in Mindanao is baseless, then the Supreme Court could void the martial law declaration in Mindanao and limit it to Lanao del Sur instead,” he maintained. Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto 3rd said he would not object to a martial law extension as long as the situation warranted such move. Sen. Francis Escudero said the Executive branch must show that the problem was still subsisting and that martial law was still needed to address it.

Source: Manila Times July 09, 2017 13:52 UTC