Palace criticizes reports on Duterte's martial law remarks

The Palace on Sunday called news organizations irresponsible for reporting that President Rodrigo Duterte had threatened to impose martial law if the "integrity of the country" was imperiled.

 

"Such headlines sow panic and confusion to many," said Communications Secretary Martin Andanar in a statement. "We consider this kind of reportage as the height of journalistic irresponsibility."

 

Andanar clarified that what the president said during his Saturday speech before the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry was that he, the president, would declare martial law only if the country deteriorated into an utter state of rebellion and lawlessness. 

 

"As president, he  recognizes the challenges and limitations set by our Constitution in declaring martial law but he would nonetheless act accordingly if it warrants the preservation of the nation," the press secretary explained.

 

Andanar added that the President had earlier categorically said no to martial law, and that the president had also said that martial law would not improve the lives of Filipinos.  

 

During Saturday's speech, Duterte had said, "I have to declare martial law, if have to, to preserve my country... and the Filipino people.... Walang makapipigil sa akin ... wala nang invasion, invasion."

 

He added that neither the Supreme Court nor Congress could stop him from declaring martial law if he deemed it necessary because of threats to the "integrity of the country."

 

"I have to protect the Filipino people. It's my duty. And I tell you now, if I have to declare martial law, I will declare it. Not about invasion, insurrection, not about danger," the president had said. "I will declare martial law to preserve my nation, period. Wala akong pakialam diyan sa Supreme Court. Because the right to preserve one's life, and my nation, my country, transcends everything else, even the limitations." — DVM, GMA News