Press Release
December 5, 2009

PRESS STATEMENT OF SENATE PRESIDENT JUAN PONCE ENRILE ON THE PROCLAMATION OF PRES. GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO DECLARING MARTIAL LAW IN MAGUINDANAO

"On the face of the proclamation, there seems to be a basis for it. Now, we have to presume that the President acted on facts known to her and initially we should not question the wisdom or lack of wisdom of her action.

"She is the one authorized by the Constitution to exercise these powers on the basis of facts known to her.

"Even the Supreme Court, in exercising these powers, must deal with the facts in which the President acted in proclaiming martial law in Maguindanao. And that same law or principle must apply equally on the two houses of Congress.

"Unless we see from the presentation of the President in her report that there was no factual basis to support the proclamation putting Maguindanao under martial law, then we will have to act and reject it.

"But if there is, then I think we will have to respect the provision of the Constitution that will give her 60 days to perform the job of quelling and stabilizing the situation in Mindanao.

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