Martial Law as Sole Prerogative of the President

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said he wants the 1987 Constitution amended to allow the declaration of Martial Law without the approval of Congress and the Supreme Court.

Speaking in front of volunteer women in Angeles City, Duterte said he wants the declaration of Martial Law to be the sole prerogative of the president.

Under the 1987 Constitution, the Congress and the High Court have the power to review the declaration of Martial Law.

Duterte cited the alleged inefficiency of having the Congress and the High Court to concur with the declaration.

“May giyera na, pupunta pa ako sa Congress, sa SC?” Duterte lamented. “Paano kung hindi magkasundo ang SC at Congress? Sino susundin ng pulis?”