SC decision boosts morale of soldiers, police — Andanar

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 5): SC decision boosts morale of soldiers, police — Andanar

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Wednesday said the Supreme Court (SC) ruling upholding the constitutionality of the martial law declaration in Mindanao has boosted the morale of soldiers and police fighting the IS-inspired terrorist Maute group in Marawi City.

“The (SC) decision on martial law really gives a morale boost to our soldiers and policemen because finally, all three co-equal branches of government -- executive, legislative and judiciary -- have approved the declaration,” he said during an interview at the sidelines of the media launch of the Presidential Museum and Library Online Exhibition in Malacañang.

“President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law and it was approved by the House of Representatives, the Senate and the Judiciary. So it has already gone full circle. It was completely validated,” Andanar said.

Duterte, through Proclamation 216, placed the entire Mindanao under martial law on the night of May 23 following an attack by the Maute terror group in Marawi City.

The following day, the Palace formally transmitted to House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez the declaration placing Mindanao under martial law.

On May 25, the President’s written report citing the basis for declaring martial law in Mindanao was received by Senate President Koko Pimentel.

Shortly after, majority of members of both chambers of Congress approved the declaration.

Last Monday, the declaration was affirmed by the Supreme Court with 11 magistrates voting in favor of martial law, three voting that martial law should be limited only to Marawi City and one justice saying martial law has no factual basis.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has welcomed and lauded the SC ruling.

"The AFP is very glad and expresses its appreciation to the SC for the favorable ruling which is supportive of Martial Law in Mindanao. The AFP takes this as a vote of confidence that we are doing what is right and what is necessary for the restoration of the rule of law, peace and order in the whole island," AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año said Tuesday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/999083