Public to support Duterte even if he declares martial law, says Panelo
Published August 11, 2016 3:03pm
People will continue to support President Rodrigo Duterte, even if he declares martial law, his chief legal counsel Salvador Panelo said.
In his report, radio dzBB’s Benjie Liwanag quoted Panelo as saying he was confident Duterte would still get the people’s support should this happen.
He added that more people were rallying behind the President, including those who did not support him during the May elections.
Duterte raised the possibility of declaring martial law on Tuesday, after Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno sent him a letter regarding the seven judges included in his so-called “narco-list.”
Sereno had said the judges Duterte tagged in drug trafficking should not surrender to law enforcers unless there were warrants for their arrests.
The President called on Sereno to “not create a confrontation, a constitutional war,” and during Tuesday’s speech raised the possibility of martial law if the judiciary will get in the way of his ongoing drive against illegal drugs.
The following day, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar clarified that Duterte “merely asked a rhetorical question,” adding that he knows the limits of executive powers. — Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/NB, GMA News
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