MANILA, Philippines—The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday (May 5) said there has been no discussion so far about the possible declaration of martial law because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said, however, that a martial law declaration would depend upon the “wise determination and prudent discretion” of President Rodrigo Duterte. “The power to declare martial law on the basis of COVID-19 is within his powers as Commander-in-Chief subject to the concurrence of both houses of Congress,” Arevalo said. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that declaring martial law was up to Duterte although the invasion that Panelo was referring to was a health concern. But this is primarily a health issue, a war against a deadly and highly contagious virus,” Lorenzana said.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 05, 2020 07:09 UTC