House affirms Proclamation 216
THE HOUSE of Representatives on Wednesday, May 31, adopted a resolution expressing support for President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s Proclamation No. 216 declaring martial law and suspending the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao.
The chamber, via viva voce voting, adopted House Resolution 1050 or the “Resolution expressing the full support of the House of Representatives to President Rodrigo Duterte.”
The chamber constituted itself as a Committee of the Whole House yesterday morning to listen to the briefing of key Executive officials on the declaration of martial law in Mindanao and to decide on the option to revoke the said proclamation.
“During the said briefing, and after interpellation, the Members of the House of Representatives determined the sufficiency of the factual basis for the issuance of Proclamation No. 216,” the resolution read.
Under the Constitution, the President is required to submit a report “in person or in writing” to Congress within 48 hours from the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus. The Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at least a majority of all its Members in regular or special session, may revoke such proclamation or suspension, which revocation should not be set aside by the President.
In his opening remarks before the Committee of the Whole, House Speaker Pantaleon D. Alvarez told his fellow lawmakers not to look at the martial law proclamation from the “perspective of the past.”
Mr. Alvarez maintained that the 1987 Constitution provides “sufficient” safeguards against abuses.
“While we understand the reservations of some with martial law, let us view the situation not exclusively from the perspective of the past. Our present Constitution provides sufficient safeguards to prevent abuses by agents of the State,” Mr. Alvarez said.
“[ W]e give the public our assurance that we are keeping a watchful eye upon the unfolding of events and will step in as a counter-balance should and when the need arises,” the Speaker said.
The chamber held the hearing of the Committee of the Whole House under executive session.
Executive officials present at the hearing were Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea, National Security Adviser Hermogenes C. Esperon, Social Welfare Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo, Health Secretary Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial, Transportation Secretary Mark A. Villar, Tourism Secretary Wanda T. Teo, Justice Secretary Vitaliano N. Aguirre II and Court Administrator Jose Midas P. Marquez, among others.
The Congress went on sine die adjournment last night. Sessions resume July 24, which will be marked by Mr. Duterte’s second State of the Nation Address.