Press Release
December 13, 2009

STATEMENT OF THE MAJORITY LEADER ON THE LIFTING
OF MARTIAL LAW IN MAGUINDANAO

"I am elated by the report that martial law was lifted in Maguindanao, finally allaying fears that it would expand to other areas in the country.

"As a Mindanaoan, we value our civil liberties and we pray for peace and progress. Martial rule, however, is not the answer but an effective implementation of our very stringent laws, regardless of religion or influence.

"The question now is what happens to the joint session on Monday? As Majority Leader of the Senate, I believe my fellow senators will push for a vote while the House may rule it unnecessary. If that would be the outcome on Monday, then we, the senators, can still pass and approve the resolutions expressing the sense of the Senate against the martial law declaration.

"We should never have to go through martial rule in any part of the country in any administration whether present or future."

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