By: Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos
President Duterte will decide on the fate of martial law in Mindanao in less than two weeks.
Malacañang has said that Duterte will submit his decision to Congress before its Christmas break on Dec. 15 after the Armed Forces of the Philippines submitted their recommendation whether or not to lift or extend martial law in the South.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque did not disclose but said he will read the decision during the regular Palace press briefing tomorrow.
“I didn’t want to say it now because mape-preempt ’yung aking press briefing sa Lunes,” Roque said. “I’m going to read verbatim already what was given to me by the AFP. Mayroon na pong binigay sa aking statement, Monday ko na po babasahin yan,” he added.
Roque said Duterte will submit his decision to Congress within the next two weeks. “The President will make a decision, if not next week, then the week after because Congress will go on recess on the 15th. As you know, we cannot have an extension of martial law without the consent of Congress,” the Palace official said.
Roque said that while there is still no final decision on the fate of martial law, he assured that Duterte would ensure the safety of citizens in Marawi City and nearby areas.