Palace distances from Alvarez comment on martial law extension
In this March 13 photo, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez speaks with reporters together with President Rodrigo Duterte at the Palace. PPD/Toto Lozano, file
MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Monday clarified that the extension of martial law in Mindanao would be the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte.
This follows the remarks of House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez that he will push for an extension of the martial law declaration until 2022.
Alvarez, however, has clarified that his comment to extend the declaration for up to five years is his personal opinion.
"Extending martial law is the decision of the president which PRRD said would rest on the assessment and the recommendation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other stakeholders of the Marawi situation," presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.
The president declared martial and suspended the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao on May 23 following an armed conflict between government forces and the Maute group in Marawi City.
The 60-day declaration will lapse on July 23, a day before Duterte delivers his second State of the Nation Address.
Duterte earlier hinted that he might seek an extension of martial law as government forces continue to battle the ISIS-inspired local terror group in Marawi.
Under the 1987 Constitution, any extension of the declaration should be done with the consent of the Senate and the House of Representatives convening jointly.
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