MANILA, Philippines - Calls for Congress to hold a joint session to determine the legal basis for President Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao have been rendered moot after the Senate and House of Representatives upheld the order, a lawmaker said yesterday.
Rep. Harry Roque of Kabayan party-list said the resolutions issued by the two chambers of Congress affirming military rule in the south automatically prevent the judiciary from interfering in the issue.
“In my opinion, the petition is already moot and academic as both houses have found the reasons cited by the President as sufficient,” Roque said.
Article VII, Section 18 of the 1987 Constitution states that “Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at least a majority of all its members in regular or special session, may revoke such proclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be set aside by the President.”
Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III and Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez believe their arguments have factual basis, especially since both chambers have issued separate resolutions expressing support for Duterte’s Proclamation No. 216 after the Islamic State-linked Maute terror group attacked Marawi City.
The Supreme Court will start its oral arguments today on the petitions seeking to compel Congress to review the declaration of martial law.
“I am sure the House and the Senate will refuse to hold a joint session as we have affirmed the sufficiency of the grounds that the President cited in declaring martial law,” Roque said.