SC to vote on anti-martial law pleas next week

MANILA – The Supreme Court en banc will vote on the petitions questioning the martial law in Mindanao on July 4.

Justice Mariano del Castillo was tasked to review and draft the decision after the three-day oral arguments, according to information relayed to

Panay

News.

The high tribunal must decide on the petitions within 30 days, or until July 5.

The decision is expected to be released days ahead of the constitutionally provided deadline of the martial law (60 days after it was proclaimed on

May 23).

Three petitions, including one from opposition representatives Edcel Lagman, Tomasito Villarin, Rodolfo Alejano, Emmanuel Billones, Teddy Baguilat Jr., and Edgar Erice, were filed before the Supreme Court.

Common arguments in the petitions were that President Rodrigo Duterte had no factual basis proclaiming martial law since there was no rebellion or invasion and that the Armed Forces did not recommend the proclamation.

During the oral arguments,

Solicitor General Jose Calida said Duterte had sufficient factual basis and the petitioners failed to allege and establish grave abuse of discretion on the part of the President.

While in a state visit in Russia, Duterte placed Mindanao under martial law following the clash

of government troops with the Maute terrorist group after the military’s attempt to arrest alleged Islamic State Southeast Asian leader Isnilon Hapilon.

The Maute group comprises former Moro Islamic Liberation Front guerrillas and some foreign extremist fighters./