Opposition lawmakers will ask the Supreme Court “definitely before Christmas” to strike down the yearlong extension of martial law in Mindanao for being unconstitutional. But Lagman said these “only constitute threats” and not an “actual” rebellion, as required by the 1987 Constitution. “We are more confident this time and we hope the Supreme Court [will] really look at the facts,” he said. Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, a former soldier, said martial law was “not synonymous to military operations,” as the security sectors could deal with threats through normal operations and without resorting to a blanket permission for warrantless arrests. But the President’s chief legal counsel, Salvador Panelo, said critics should respect Congress’ decision to extend martial law in Mindanao.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 14, 2017 20:15 UTC