Press Release
December 12, 2017

Transcript of Interview with Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon

Q: On the martial law issue

SFMD: Apparently, the Armed Forces has recommended the extension of martial law for its psychological impact. I'm afraid that is not a valid basis for the extension or martial law. Number two, the President cited five reason asking for an extension of one year. We note that the first reason occupied one page of the request. The citation of the fifth reason, which is the NPA threat, constitutes one whole page. The issue as raised: why, if it's an extension of an original six-month period or martial law, the NPA is not a factor then? Bakit ngayon NPA na ang sinasabi? There are some issues as to the basis for extension. Still we maintain that armed uprising is an essential factor to justify a declaration of a martial law or any extension. And from what we heard, it's a psychological advantage; our security forces want teeth in enforcing the law; and the threat of a continuing rebellion, to us, is not a sufficient ground. A threat is different from an actual armed uprising.

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