Senator Bam Aquino explains to the press why the third extension of martial law in Mindanao might be illegal.
During an ambush interview, Aquino believes that there’s should be an actual fight happening in Mindanao before the government can implement martial law.
“Kailangan may mangyari munang aktwal na bakbakan, hindi lang skirmishes,” Aquino said.
According to him, the 1987 constitution made the conditions to implement martial law stricter to avoid being misused by future leaders.
“So babalik tayo sa depinisyon ng konstitusyon, babalik ka rin doon sa ano ang hangarin ng constitutional commission who created the constituition.” he said.
“Ginawa talaga nilang mas strikto, nilagay nila yung ‘aktwal’ na salita para maging limitado talaga ang pag gamit ng martial law,” he added.
Despite these explanations, the opposition senators which includes him failed to block the third extension of martial law after receiving a mass support from both lower and upper house.
In his Twitter page, Aquino explained in a lengthy tweet why he wants the martial law in Mindanao to end.
According to him, the war in Marawi is already ended with a victory from the government, that’s why he believes that martial law should be removed now.
“Nagtagumpay na ang AFP sa gera ng Marawi laban sa Maute, kaya’t nararapat na tanggalin ang Martial law.” he said.
He believes that soldiers can do their job to secure the people even without martial law.
“Extraordinary Powers ang martial law, hindi ito pangkaraniwan o pang araw-araw. At kaya ng AFP na gawin ang kanilang trabaho kahit wala ito. Huwag dapat maging dependent sa martial law para gawin ang tungkulin at trabaho.”
Aquino also pointed out that if the priority of the government doesn’t need martial law to make it possible.
“Ang prayoridad na rehabilitasyon, good governance, long-term peace and order, development at pagtugis sa mga armadong elemento ay hindi nangangailangan ng martial law upang maipatupad. Kaya naman itong gawin dahil sa mandato ng AFP at sa natatamasang suporta mula sa gobyerno.” he said.
Since martial law in Mindanao was implemented by President Duterte, Aquino is already one of the senators who opposed it.