(Updated, 1:25 p.m.) The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the validity of Proclamation 216 or President Rodrigo Duterte’s martial law proclamation in Mindanao. ADVERTISEMENTEleven Justices affirmed the martial law proclamation in the entire Mindanao while the three–Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa–wants martial law confined in Marawi. Duterte on May 23 placed the entire Mindanao under martial law following the attack of the Islamic State-inspired Maute group. BACKSTORY: Duterte declares martial law in SouthThe President earlier said he would adhere to the decision of the SC on his proclamation. The high court’s ruling was the second time to address martial law petitions under the 1987 Constitution.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 04, 2017 05:09 UTC