PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said he is not a "fan" of martial law but hinted that it may happen "to meet widespread violence."
Duterte made the statement in a dinner he hosted in Malacañang for reporters who covered him during the campaign.
"I am not a fan of martial law," the President said, when sought for reaction on Congress' sentiment that the suspension of writ of habeas corpus could lead to martial law.
"People are afraid of martial law but if ever, martial law is a contingency to meet widespread violence," he added.
Duterte earlier warned that he may suspend the writ of habeas corpus.
Article 7, Section 18 of the Constitution states that “in case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, he may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus.”
If the writ of habeas corpus is suspended, there will be warrantless arrest in the country.
When the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law, the writ of habeas corpus had also been suspended.
On Monday, presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said that Duterte made the pronouncement to merely "warn the lawless elements."
Abella said the President may also suspend the writ of habeas corpus since the country is under the 'state of lawlessness."
“As we are under a state of emergency on account of lawless violence in Mindanao, and should conditions are in place that demand it, the President may have this option [to suspend writ of habeas corpus],” Abella said.
“This serves as a stern warning to lawless elements that he would use his executive powers in accordance to what the Constitution allows,” he added. (Sunnex)
