Robredo: SC decision on martial law in Mindanao upholds ‘democratic process’

Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday said the Supreme Court's favorable decision on the martial law implementation in Mindanao asserts the "democratic process" provided by the Constitution.

"The Supreme Court decision on Proclamation No. 216 is an affirmation of the democratic process set in our Constitution. This is an important component of the mandated checks and balances to martial law," Robredo said in a statement.

During Tuesday's en banc session, 11 justices voted to dismiss the consolidated petitions against the imposition of martial law in Mindanao while three others—Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa—believe the coverage of martial rule should be limited to just a few areas.

Only Associate Justice Marvic Leonen voted for the junking of martial law.

President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire Mindanao under martial law on May 23 after members of the ISIS-linked Maute group attacked Marawi City.

However, Robredo said, she expects Congress to "likewise fulfill its Constitutional duty to review, on behalf of the people, the declaration of martial law in Mindanao."

"Together with remaining vigilant in safeguarding our rights and Constitutional processes, we must continue to work on providing relief for our brothers and sisters affected by the Marawi Clash, and, furthermore, prepare for the more difficult task of helping them rebuild their lives," she added.

Skirmishes in Marawi entered its sixth week, with over 400,000 residents displaced.

As of July 2 at 6 p.m., 84 government forces, 39 civilians, and 336 terrorists have been killed. — Marlly Rome C. Bondoc/BM, GMA News