Trillanes hits Duterte after saying martial law is a ‘contingency’ Primary tabs

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV on Wednesday reacted to President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement that martial law is a “contingency to meet widespread violence.”

Trillanes then criticized Duterte for failing to curb the drug problem which he promised to fulfill within three to six months in office.

“Akala ko ba three to six months lang kaya niya tapusin ang drug problem or else mag-reresign siya? Tapos ngayon kailangan na mag-martial law? Anyare? Nag-Supermoon,” Trillanes said in a statement.

The senator is a known critic of Duterte and is now a member of the Senate opposition. During the campaign period, he said Duterte failed to declare P211 million in his 2014 Statement of Assets and Liabilities as required by law.

Prior to his presidency, however, Duterte said he will accept criticisms and will not hinder anyone from exercising his or her right to democracy.

On Tuesday, Duterte said although he is not a fan of martial law and recognizes the public’s fear of it, he said it is “a contingency to meet widespread violence.” He earlier said he would suspend the writ of habeas corpus if lawlessness spreads in Mindanao, saying it would intensify his campaign against illegal drugs and rebellion.

RELATED: Not a fan of Martial Law, Duterte calls it a contingency