Transcript of Interview with Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon

Drilon: First of all, let me state on record that, personally, I support our soldiers and what they are doing in the Armed Forces of the Philippines in implementing the martial law in Marawi and the rest of Mindanao. As you will note, there is no report of any significant human rights violation. In that sense we must commend them and we must continue to support them. I have proposed during the meeting that maybe we should come up a supplemental budget specifically for the rehabilitation of the Marwi city and in support of our armed forces. Having said that, we are, in general, in support of the extension of the martial law. I'm inclined to support, but we debate on the length of the extension and the coverage, so that that is where the debate will center.

Q: You're not convinced with the five-month period?

Drilon: I am not yet convinced. But as to the need for extension, yes; I am inclined to support that, but insofar as the length and the coverage, let's debate on that.