Press Release
December 8, 2009

DELAY IN JOINT SESSION ALLOWS PALCE
TO ACT AT WILL IN MAGUINDANAO - CHIZ

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero yesterday said Congress allows President Arroyo to act with impunity every day it delays the joint session which would look into the imposition of martial law in Maguindanao.

"The immediate convening of Congress to inquire into the bases for the declaration of martial law is a key safeguard aimed at protecting the people from possible abuse of power. Congress virtually gives its imprimatur to martial law each day it delays the exercise of its constitutional duty," said Escudero, chair of the Senate committee on justice and human rights. "A single day of inaction on the part of Congress can make a difference in the lives of people in Maguindanao. Congress must act swiftly. It can do no less," he said.

The joint session of Congress was postponed for Wednesday at 4 pm instead of Tuesday at 4 pm because representatives of both chambers failed to finalize the ground rules for voting on the martial law proclamation. Congress, by a simple majority of all its members, can revoke or extend the imposition of martial law.

Escudero also pointed out that under Article 7, Section 18 of the constitution provides that "Congress, if not in session, shall, within twenty-four hours following such proclamation or suspension, convene in accordance with its rules without need of a call."

The framers of the constitution required Congress to convene without the need for a call, if it was not in session, because it clearly saw the need for urgent action when the president imposes martial law, he said.

"The holding of the joint session should not be delayed any second further. Regardless of the numbers, it is the only way the martial law authorities can answer to the people for its actions," Escudero stressed.

News Latest News Feed