Duterte says if he didn’t act on Marawi rebellion, he could be impeached

July 21, 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte has said if he did not declare martial law to address rebellion and invasion in Marawi City, he could be impeached. In a speech during his visit to the soldiers in Marawi on Thursday, the Chief Executive asked for understanding why he has to place the whole of Mindanao under martial law and to send government troopers to the war-torn city. "Understand my job as a President, because of the critical conditions as has said by your military and the Defense department, I had to declare martial law," he said in a speech. "Otherwise, I would be the candidate for impeachment also. That would be heavier, I could be removed from my post and it's embarrassing," Duterte added. Duterte, who was then in Russia for an official visit, declared martial law on May 23 shortly after the Maute terrorists attacked and started occupying Marawi. He shortened his trip to Moscow. Under the Constitution, Duterte could declare martial law and suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus when there is rebellion or invasion in the country. Duterte said he grieves if there are soldiers or civilians being killed. Over 500 people have been killed in Marawi, most of them terrorists. Celerina Monte/DMS