"I fear that the plan to extend the martial law in Mindanao will pave the way for a Philippines-wide martial law," said Senator Risa Hontiveros ahead of the vote. However, any martial law extension must be approved by Congress. About a dozen protesters in the gallery interrupted Saturday's hearing, chanting "never again, never again to martial law" before being escorted out. Duterte had already beaten back a Supreme Court petition to declare martial law in Mindanao illegal. "Once he feels that there is not enough opposition to a nationwide martial law declaration, he will go for it," Senator Antonio Trillanes told AFP on Tuesday.

Source: The Nation Bangkok July 22, 2017 08:37 UTC