Trillanes calls on Congress to reject martial law in Mindanao

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Wednesday called on Congress to reject President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao, saying there is no basis for such action.

In an interview with reporters, Trillanes said Duterte was “trigger happy” in declaring martial law in the whole island of Mindanao, instead of just in Marawi City, where the clashes with the Maute group happened.

“Kapag pinagbigyan natin ito ngayon, malamang ay aabusuhin niya ito at dadalhin sa susunod na leg, buong bansa ma-de-declare sa martial law,” Trillanes, a staunch critic of the President, said.

“In this case, we should reject, baguhin niya (Duterte) yung declaration niya na doon lang sa area of conflict. It’s for his own good. Kasi maraming negosyante ang natakot na gagawa sana ng trabaho diyan sa Mindanao,” he added.

Article VII, Section 18 of the Constitution states that the President should submit a report in person or in writing to Congress within 48 hours from the proclamation of martial law.

Congress may revoke the proclamation “voting jointly, by a vote of at least a majority of all its members in regular or special session.”

Asked whether Congress, majority of which are allies of Duterte, will reject the declaration, Trillanes said:  “Lookout nila yan. Kapag later on, pag pinasara yung Kongreso, sa kangkungan din sila pupulutin.”

From Moscow, Russia, Duterte on Tuesday night (Manila time) declared martial law in Mindano amid the clashes with the Maute group. The President has cut short his official visit following the declaration.

Trillanes said Duterte’s declaration caused “unnecessary panic” as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) did not even request for such.

“Kating-kati mag-declare na hindi man lang binigyan ng kaunting panahon yung Armed Forces to give an assessment or control the situation bago mag-declare ng ganun,” Trillanes said.

“Ang kutob ko dito, gusto na niya mangyari ito. Gusto na niya mag-declare. But be assured na babantayan natin para hindi makapang-abuso,” the senator said. — RSJ, GMA News