QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News) – Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella has clarified a recent statement by President Rodrigo Duterte that he would follow the assessment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police in connection with the declaration of martial law in Mindanao.
“The President meant that those who really, are truly aware of the situation, are the military and the police. This is not meant to bypass the Supreme Court or the legislative,” Abella said.
“Of course he will respect the Supreme Court but based on his own considerations being Commander-in-Chief,” he added.
Abella said the President “will listen.”
“At the end of the day, as Commander-in-Chief, he deserves the right to make decisions. Of course, he is listening. He is a listening President,” Abella said.
The 1987 Constitution provides for a review system which sees Congress and the Supreme Court rejecting the President’s declaration of martial law if they find insufficient basis for this.
Vice President Leni Robredo had asked President Duterte to take back his earlier statement that she said was tantamount to ignoring the Supreme Court and Congress.
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