By Moira Encina
Eagle News Service
The Supreme Court has set oral arguments in connection with the petitions filed against the one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao.
In a press conference on Wednesday, SC spokesperson Theodore Te said these were scheduled on January 16 at 2 p.m., and on January 17 at 10 a.m.
“The parties were directed to submit their respective memoranda on January 20, on Saturday, not later than 5 p.m.,” Te said.
The Supreme Court also ordered the consolidation of the two petitions challenging the one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao.
It, however, asked Malacanang to comment on the second petition filed by militant lawmakers not later than January 13, 2018, Saturday, 5 p.m.
The first petition–filed on December 27, 2017—was lodged by six opposition congressmen led by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman.
In seeking for an injunction, both petitions argued there was “no factual basis” for the extension, which was approved by Congress in December upon President Rodrigo Duterte’s request last year.
They argued that there was no “actual rebellion,” a constitutional requirement for such a declaration to be made.