SENATE President Aquilino Pimentel 3rd echoed a view in the upper chamber that President Rodrigo Duterte must first inform Congress if he would extend martial law in Mindanao. Majority leader Franklin Drilon said only Congress has the power to extend martial law. The validity of martial law ends on July 22. Drilon suggested that “to avoid any question, the President should advise Congress that it is his intention to extend martial law.”For his part, Pimentel, an ally of Duterte, said, “I agree with Sen. Drilon. We need a briefing too on the progress of martial law from May 23 up to this time.”Drilon said: “The President, before July 22, which is the last day of the president’s proclamation, informs Congress that he intends to extend martial before the expiry on July 22, which is a Saturday.” BERNADETTE TAMAYO

Source: Manila Times July 07, 2017 09:11 UTC