QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News) — Several senators allied with the administration expressed their apprehension about extending martial law until December.
After the closed-door briefing with military officials, many said they are in favor of extending martial law, but felt that a month or two months is enough period for an extension.
-1 to 2 month martial law extension enough, says some senators
Senator Richard Gordon said that he is in favor of extending the martial law but only for 60 days.
“I say, 60 days. I go on the side of due diligence,” Gordon said in an interview.
“We’re not just talking about a war situation all the way. We’re talking about the peaceful situation. We are headed for peace,” he said.
Senator JV Ejercito said that a month — specifically “20 or 30 days” — could be enough period for a martial law extension.
“Sa tingin ko, marami ang supportive kasi nga mukhang justified naman yung reasons. Sabi nga nila, the ISIS will not end with the Marawi situation. Magtu-tuloy-tuloy yun so we have to brace for that, and the Armed Forces has to be ready for that,” he said.
Senator Franklin Drilon said he is convinced there should be an extension, but said that a debate is needed on the length of time needed for it.
“I am not yet convinced [on extension until December] but there is a need for extension. Yes, I am inclined to support that after the briefing but in so far as in the length of coverage, let’s debate on that,” Drilon said.
Senator Joel Villanueva said that a 20-day extension could be enough to address the Marawi crisis, after attending the security briefing earlier.
-Esperon defends need for martial law until Dec. 31
On the other hand, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon defended the five-month martial law extension, saying that such extension is needed not only to restore peace and order in Mindanao but also to expedite reconstruction and rehabilitation.
“Bottom line dito is [we want] peace and stability in Mindanao and martial law contributes a lot to this effort. Without peace and stability in Mindanao, we would not be able to achieve our aspirations [for] Mindanao,” Esperon said.
“This is a serious problem in Mindanao, as even revealed by our operations against the terrorists in Marawi. And of course, our structural reforms, ang federalism,” Esperon added.
Malacañang announced on Tuesday, July 18 that President Rodrigo Duterte has requested Congress to extend martial law in Mindanao until end of the year.
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