Palace welcomes SWS poll showing public support for martial law

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang welcomed the latest Social Weather Stations survey, which showed that a majority of Filipinos support the martial law declaration in Mindanao.

In a statement, the Palace said public support on Proclamation 216 declaring martial law only proves the need for it.

“The positive public response indicates that they believe the factual and legal basis of the proclamation of martial law in Mindanao, which includes the Maute group's attempt to remove allegiance from the government and to deprive the Chief Executive of his powers to enforce the laws and maintain public order and safety,” Malacañang’s statement read.

“Hence, the need for the call of Martial Law, in case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, as provided by the Constitution,” it added.

In the latest SWS survey conducted from June 23 to 26, a month after the martial law was declared, 57 percent of adult Filipinos believe that declaration of martial law in Mindanao was a right decision. Six out of 10 of them opposed the expansion of martial law to Visayas and Luzon.

The Palace said the expansion of martial law would still depend on the outcome of the operations in Marawi. The 60-day martial law will lapse on July 23, a day before the president delivers his second State of the Nation Address.

“It is noteworthy to mention that all these would depend on the situation on the ground as assessed and recommended by military and police authorities,” Malacañang said.

READ: Listen to info on the ground before extending martial law, Leni urged

The Palace also said that the majority of respondents who agree with the martial law declaration only validates the Filipino’s “very good” satisfaction rating of Duterte.

READ: Duterte's satisfaction rating soars amid martial law declaration

Duterte placed Mindanao under martial last May 23 to contain the violence in the region and neutralize the local terrorist groups following the Marawi crisis. 

The proclamation earned opposition from lawmakers and some Marawi residents who filed a petition against it. However, the Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of consolidated petitions assailing the martial law in Mindanao and affirmed its constitutionality.