CHIEF Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo on Thursday tried to allay the public's fear over President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to declare martial law in the entire Mindanao, saying the Constitution has ample safeguards to ensure the its responsible implementation.
Panelo assured the public that Duterte would abide the 1987 Constitution in implementing one-man rule in the embattled region.
"Given the President's safeguard provided by the Constitution, and the President's pure intention to do everything within his power to maintain peace and order and ensure the safety of the public, there should be no reason for public to be anxious about the proclamation of Martial law," he added.
Duterte was prompted to declare Martial law in Mindanao following atrocities of Maute group who reportedly occupied and burned several state and private facilities in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.
The President designated the military to ensure peace and order in Mindanao, amid terror threats.
He also issued a "shoot to kill" order on anyone who will carry out violence and resistance against the government.
Panelo said Duterte has to declare martial law to protect and preserve the Filipino people, in light of the continuing violence and criminality in Mindanao.
He added that Maute's "barbaric" actions constitute the crime of rebellion, a basis in declaration of Martial law.
"Undoubtedly, based on the savagery and brutality of the Maute group, public safety demands the timely and effective response of government, in order to protect and preserve the loves of the thousands of individuals in Mindanao," Panelo said.
"All told, the present situation justifies the President's exercise of his constitutionally-granted power of proclaiming Martial law," he added.
Panelo also guaranteed that martial law is only limited to a period of 60 days, as provided by Article 18, Section 7 of the Constitution.
He added that placing Mindanao under martial law would not suspend the operation of the Constitution. (VoxPop Philippines)
