Opposition solons ask SC to declare Duterte martial law illegal

June 5, 2017

Opposition congressmen petitioned the Supreme Court on Monday to declare as unconstitutional President Rodrigo Duterte's Proclamation No. 216 placing Mindanao under martial law following an attack by the Maute group in Marawi City last month. In a 28-page petition, minority solons led by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman appealed to the SC to exercise its power under Section 18 of Article VII of the Constitution to review a proclamation of martial law by the president. Lagman, with Representatives. Tomasito Villarin of Akbayan partylist, Gary Alejano of Magdalo partylist, Emmanuel Billones of Capiz, Teddy Baguilat Jr. of Ifugao, Raul Daza of Northern Samar and Edgar Erice of Caloocan, hit Duterte’s Proclamation 216, saying there was no basis to justify proclaiming martial law and suspend the privilege of writ of habeas corpus. The petition will be discussed during the Supreme Court’s en banc session Tuesday. DMS.