Avoid the historical sins committed by the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos and follow the provisions of martial law in the 1987 Constitution to reap its benefits. The President said he is mulling extending martial law to Visayas because of its proximity to Mindanao, and even to the entire Philippines if the need arises. ADVERTISEMENTREAD: Duterte considering nationwide martial lawThe term “martial law,” Sereno said creates serious concerns among the public given the human rights abuses committed when Marcos declared martial law in the 1970s. She pointed out that the Constitution “absolutely prohibits” the particular kind of martial law committed in 1972 where widespread human rights abuses such as murder, rape, torture were committed against those who went against the government. Citing various Supreme Court decisions, she mentioned the ill-effects of martial law.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 26, 2017 04:47 UTC