MANILA — Lawmakers are on the fence about the need to extend martial law in Mindanao, fearing that too much of it would affect confidence by investors and the international community. Although they are inclined to agree with a short-term extension if there is factual basis, Muntinlupa Rep. Rozzano Rufino Biazon and Kabayan Party-list Rep. Harry Roque Jr. have cautioned against an “unnecessary extension” of martial law. A continuing declaration of Martial Law is an admission to the entire world community that there is rebellion or invasion in the Philippines…,” Roque said. “His administration is turning towards more repressive tools, such as martial law, in the hope of suppressing the resistance of the poor and marginalized so that these big-ticket projects will push through,” Tinio said. Rewarding military’s incompetenceAnother Makabayan lawmaker, Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, noted that Alvarez was expressing a personal opinion but nevertheless said he would again oppose extending martial law.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 10, 2017 08:37 UTC