Pacquiao: Don't fear Duterte's Martial Law declaration

Senator Manny Pacquiao on Wednesday backed President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao, as he allayed fears on possible abuse of power.

In a statement, the neophyte senator said Martial Law is “timely and necessary” following the attacks in Marawi City.

“The declaration of martial law is just a temporary yet decisive measure to protect the people, to prevent any further loss of lives and to suppress lawless violence,” Pacquiao said.

“Now is not the time for us to be divided as a nation. Let us understand that the President makes this tough decision with the welfare of the people in mind,” he added.

Pacquiao said he will wait for Duterte’s report to be submitted to Congress, as required by the Constitution.

He, however, assured that there are existing safeguards against possible abuses in light of the Martial Law declaration.

“I would like to allay the public’s fear regarding the situation. Our current Constitution provides adequate safeguards against possible abuses which are not available in our previous Constitution,” Pacquiao said.

While in Russia, Duterte declared Martial Law in Mindanao after the Maute group launched attacks in Marawi City on Tuesday.

He decided to cut short his official visit after the declaration was announced by presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella.

On board the plane to Manila, Duterte said: "I'll be harsh. Martial law is martial law ... kayong mga kababayan ko, you have experienced martial law... it would not be any different from what President [Ferdinand] Marcos did." —ALG, GMA News