Lawmakers question ML extension

MANILA - Opposition lawmakers, the National Union of People’s Lawyers and activists have asked the Supreme Court (SC) to nullify the oneyear martial law extension in Mindanao.

In their petition, the NUPL, members of the so-called Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives, and human rights advocates and activists said there is “no factual nor legal basis” that would warrant the martial law extension for another year as the siege in Marawi had already been resolved.

They said the martial law extension “is actually a threat against dissenters and activists than armed rebels.”

The Makabayan bloc is composed of Kabataan Rep. Sarah Elago, ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio and Fransisca Castro, Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Emmi de Jesus and Arlene Brosas, Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao and

Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate.

Malacañang, in reaction to the petition, expressed optimism that it can defend the legality of the one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao.

Speaking to Palace reporters, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said the promulgation of martial law for another year could not be questioned as the Senate and the House of Representatives had found “factual and legal” grounds to extend it until December 31, 2018.