Lagman argued that terrorism is not equivalent to rebellion that consequentially requires of securing public safety.
"Acts of terrorism are not necessarily equivalent to actual rebellion and the consequent requirement of securing public safety," said Lagman.
However, Supreme Court Justice Mariano del Castillo didn't seem satisfied with the Albay representative's argument.
"The military casualty count as of last Sunday is already 58 soldiers, Congressman,” del Castillo told Lagman. “Dead soldiers of ours. And there are 25,000 evacuees now in Iligan City. So for you the situation is still not that serious for Martial Law to … I mean, Martial Law will only be with us for 60 days, assuming that he [President Duterte] won’t lift the proclamation earlier. With all the safeguards, I don’t know why you are so worried," Castillo pointed out.
Lagman replied saying that they "respect the deaths of many soldiers" however, he accused the president that his decision of proclaiming an "ill-conceived" martial law in Mindanao which consequenced to "subsequent killings, including civilians and children" and added that the "Armed Forces of the Philippines has the capability to suppress this terrorism in Marawi City without the President imposing Martial Law".
Lagman wanted the SC to "exercise its special and specific jurisdiction to review the sufficiency of the factual basis of the subject declaration and suspension" because the Congress "has reneged on its mandated duty" to summon a joint session to discuss the basis of martial law.
Meanwhile, Solicitor General Jose Calida was enraged while talking to reporters. He challenged ex-congressmen, who keeps on questioning martila law proclamation in Mindanao, to a debate after the SC recommenced the oral arguments on Wednesday.
Calida called out to Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares who also questioned the report submitted by the President to the Congress.
"Why don’t you call him because we were talking here and he was talking friendly to me. He should say that to my face," Calida said, his voice annoyed. "Hey, why don't you come here, Neri? You see? He’s a coward," he said when Colmenares retreated from his dare.
The Solicitor General clarified that "all the elements of rebellion were present" referring to the President's report, Proclamtion No. 216, where Duterte also suspended the privilege of the writ habeas corpus.
Calida told Colmenares to go to Marawi and witness for himself "what’s happening on the ground".
"We have seen whats happening in Marawi… I don’t have to say anything. People believe there’s rebellion. Anyone who says there’s no rebellion is detached from reality. Incidentally, that is the sign of psychosis," Calida said.
To date, several soldiers have died and fortunately some are only wounded and would like to continue fighting for peace and order. Many innocent civilians, even children are displaced, trapped in war zones and also there were killed by the Maute group, killing not only non-Muslim individuals but also their fellow Muslim brothers and sisters. Infrastructures, houses, and other personal properties have been destroyed.
There are Maute group members that are residents of Marawi City going against the government, threatening public safety, is that not called rebellion?
There were reports stating that foreign looking members of the terrorist group not to include fellow Filipinos who are not from Marawi City joined the terrorist group, invading the city and causing theat to public safety. Is that not considered invasion?
Most importantly, the ISIS is funding the Maute TERRORIST GROUP along with Abu Sayyaf. ISIS is an internationally acknowledged terrorist organization, among rebellion and invasion, isn't terrorism more reasonable to declare martial law?
It's worst than rebellion and invasion.
The figures and evidences are right before eyes. Why turn a blind eye from something that is obvious? Why go against every single thing the President decides? If you think you are right, go to Marawi and speak to the Maute group yourself, please take CHR with you, the terrorists have human rights too, right?
Source: Interaksyon; ABS-CBN
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