Killing of LGU executives does not warrant martial law – Palace
The recent killings of local government officials do not warrant the declaration of martial law across the country, Malacañang said yesterday.
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque explained that under the Constitution, the President could only exercise such power of declaring martial law in case of invasion or rebellion.
“So ito pong mga patayan na ito, kahit na ilan pa po iyan, kung wala pong panlulusob at walang rebelyon, hindi po iyan magiging dahilan para magkaroon ng martial law sa buong Pilipinas (Regardless of the number of the killings, if there is no invasion and no rebellion, those will not be a reason to have martial law in the entire Philippines),” Roque said in a radio interview.
“Paulit-ulit din po sinasabi ni Presidente na kumplikado po ang nationwide na martial law kaya hindi po mangyayari sa ngayon (The President has repeatedly said having a nationwide martial law will be complicated so it will not happen at present),” he said.
Roque issued the remarks after the Liberal Party reportedly cautioned about the looming nationwide declaration of martial law amid the recent murders of local officials.
Senator Francis Pangilinan, LP president, reportedly posed questions if the killings were orchestrated attempts to create an “atmosphere of lawlessness” to justify a strongman rule.
Roque however clarified that the state of lawlessness was different from martial law declaration.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the series of killings involving mayors and a vice mayor recently does not warrant a declaration for martial law, saying it has been happening in previous administrations.
“I don’t think so. The atmosphere does not call for it,” Sotto told reporters in an interview in Pasig Monday.
Administration ally Sen. Aquilino Pimentel said it is impossible that Duterte will use the kilings to declare a military rule in the country. It is not the character of the President.
“No, no, [that's] impossible. No way. No way that lives will be sacrificed just so the President can impose martial law nationwide,” Pimentel said. (With a report from Vanne Elaine P. Terrazola)