So, what exactly is the advantage that martial law would bring to the government’s response to security threats? “What is the value added of martial law? “There could be orders pursuant to the declaration of martial law that may enable warrantless arrests or seizures, or ban public assemblies, or take over media—hypothetically speaking only, Madame Senator,” he added. Hontiveros also questioned if there is a “standard” to determine if “public safety requires” the imposition of martial law in the event of a rebellion or invasion, as provided for by the Constitution. “And, in the hands of a government that thinks that martial law is flexible and public safety is an abstract concept, it can only be asking for trouble,” she added.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 13, 2017 09:45 UTC