“It will be a joint session as required by the Constitution for Congress to consider the initiative of the President to extend martial law,” Fariñas told reporters. The basis of the martial law declaration under Proclamation 216 was challenged before the Supreme Court, but the high tribunal upheld its constitutionality in a majority decision last July 4. The Constitution gives Congress the power to revoke a martial law declaration in a joint vote, which cannot be set aside by the President. Lorenzana submits recommendationIn Malacañang, Palace spokesman Ernesto Abella said Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana submitted his recommendation to the President on martial law last week. “The Department of National Defense has submitted its recommendation on martial law to the President, as of last Thursday, July 13.

Source: Manila Times July 17, 2017 16:52 UTC