Toward the latter part of 2017, Duterte asked Congress to lengthen his martial law declaration in May by six months. Martial law an ‘extraordinary measure’A handful of lawmakers opposed another extension of martial law in the entire island, stressing there is no ground that necessitates such move. Pangilinan also said that the prolonged extension of martial law in Mindanao is in violation of the constitution. The opposition lawmaker added: “Prolonged martial law in a large area affecting the lives of millions of our citizens is authoritarian and contrary to the constitutional democracy. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, chief implementor of martial law, said during the joint session that law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear from martial law.

Source: Philippine Star December 12, 2018 05:24 UTC