Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said Wednesday she will support a possible request of President Rodrigo Duterte to Congress to extend martial law in Mindanao.
“If it comes to our chamber, I will recommend to pass it,” Arroyo told reporters.
She assured Duterte that the House would extend martial law and the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao for another year if the President wanted it.
She said the House was merely waiting for a formal request from Duterte on the matter.
House Majority Floor Leader Rolando Andaya Jr. reiterated his support for a martial law extension.
He repeated his support after Armed Forces Chief Carlito Galvez Jr. said Monday the military and the Philippine National Police would recommend extending martial law in Mindanao for one year, or from Dec. 31, 2018 to Dec. 31, 2019.
“If the President will ask for it, then chances are it shall be given,” said Andaya who heads the House committee on rules.
He said, “the concurrence will be expedited if the military and the police will renew their commitment to respect the constitutional rights of every individual in the territory covered by the declaration.”
“The inputs and views of the congressmen from Mindanao, who represent the people directly affected, will carry much weight during the deliberations,” Andaya said.