SC declares constitutional 3rd martial law extension in Mindanao 5988 SHARES Share it! When challenged before the SC, the High Court ruled in July 2017 that the martial law declaration of President Duterte had sufficient factual bases. In February last year, the SC declared constitutional President Duterte’s extension of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao until Dec. 31, 2018. Calida said that contrary to the allegations in the petitions, rebellion – a key requirement for declaration of martial law under the Constitution — persists in Mindanao. He pointed out that the cessation of the Marawi siege and the liberation of the city from terrorists cannot be the sole basis to lift martial law in Mindanao.

Source: Manila Bulletin February 19, 2019 04:46 UTC