The Supreme Court (SC) has sought the comments of Senate and the House of Representatives on the petitions questioning President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao.
SC Spokesperson Theodore Te says, the high tribunal has given both houses of Congress 10 days to give their positions on the matter.
The communications were sent by SC to Senate President Koko Pimentel and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.
The justices have conducted oral arguments on the petitions urging the Supreme Court to compel Congress to convene a joint session to scrutinize Duterte’s Proclamation Number 216.
The proclamation declared martial law and suspended the privilege of writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao.
Both the Houses of Congress did not find the need to convene in a joint session.
Majority of lawmakers say, joint session is only necessary if the proceeding is are meant to extend or revoke the President’s proclamation.
Senate and the House, instead, opted to pass resolutions supporting Duterte’s martial law order.