Press Release
May 30, 2017

RE: JOINT SESSION ON MARTIAL LAW

Q: Why did you choose to sign the resolution on Martial Law?

RGR: Because I support the President's declaration for Martial Law, especially after the briefing yesterday. Now, if you're gonna ask me about the joint session, I also favor the joint session. Those two are not mutually exclusive, as far as I am concerned. I think it is the command of the constitution that we convene in joint session.

Q: Some senators are saying, 'yung pagsign sa resolution, it means that you don't favor a joint session kasi majority nga daw are not --

RGR: That's their interpretation. I have a different interpretation. I support the President's declaration, but I think it is necessary for us not to abdicate our role, to have a joint session.

There is a Supreme Court ruling on the issue, during the 2009 proclamation of GMA. In fact, I have the ruling here. It talks about us convening in joint session--so there is a precedent. In 2009, both the House and the Senate convened in joint session.

Q: Will you support the resolution of the minority calling for a joint session?

RGR: Let's hear the debate, but I am in favor of a joint session, as I have expressed to my colleagues in the majority. I think there are others also who have expressed (the same opinion).

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