MALACAÑANG’S press office this week found itself in the familiar situation of denying press reports on a presidential speech, charging “inaccurate reporting” of President Duterte’s remarks on martial law before the Davao City Chamber of Commerce.
The President said: “If I wanted to – and it will deteriorate into something really very virulent – I will declare martial law. No one can stop me. My country transcends everything else, even the limitations.” And so the media, including the world press, had dutifully reported the President was considering martial law in the war on drugs.
To a nation that suffered so much during the dark days of martial law starting in 1972, the new statements on martial law by the President were received with great concern. Only last December 29, 2016, in a television interview, he had said he would never declare martial law, as it would lead to the downfall of the country.” He acknowledged then that under the Constitution, martial law may be declared only “in case of invasion or rebellion when the public safety requires it.” He said he would declare martial law against an invading country, but not against the nation.
These were very reassuring words, but two weeks later, the President spoke in Davao on his readiness to declare martial law if the drug situation becomes “very virulent.” His new statement was naturally big news. But the Malacañang press office claimed “inaccurate reporting.”
Several senators, led by former Senate President Franklin Drilon and Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto, urged the President to stop talking about martial law, as it only causes so much fear and tension among the people.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson, however, said: “It’s one of those rhetorics that we should get ourselves used to by now. It’s prudent to just wait for his spokespersons to interpret or clarify first.” Secretary of Justice Vitaliano Aguirre did clarify later that “it was just an expression of anger from the President. He was exasperated by the continuous illegal drug operations in the country despite intensified efforts by the government.” Last Wednesday, the President himself said there is no compelling reason for martial law at this time.
We hope that these clarifications and statements from the President and officials who know the President will help ease the concerns of many over martial law at this time.