The majority bloc in the 24-member Senate supports the Martial Law declaration of President Duterte, according to Sen. Cynthia A. Villar.
Villar, a member of the pro-Duterte bloc in the Senate, said they agreed to support Martial Law during a meeting Sunday night.
Except for Sen. Francis Joseph G. Escudero, the 16 other members of the majority bloc led by Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III attended the meeting.
All senators were expected to attend a closed door briefing last night on the reasons behind the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao for 60 days.
National Security Adviser Hermogenes C. Esperon Jr., Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and Gen. Eduardo Año, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, were scheduled to brief the senators at the Senate building in Pasay City.
“The senators will listen to the briefing and they do not want to make a position before that,’’ Villar said.
Villar said there is no move either by the Senate or the House of Representatives or both to revoke the Martial Law declaration. “But if both Houses move to revoke it, then the President has to listen.’’
Villar said citizens of Mindanao are more familiar with what is going on in their region. (Mario B. Casayuran)
