Rody not using COVID-19 to declare martial law –Palace

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Malacañang laughed off suggestions that President Duterte was taking advantage of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic to declare martial law in the entire country.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque made the statement after President Duterte warned on Friday that he will declare martial law if the lawlessness of the New People’s Army (NPA) will not stop amid the country’s fight against COVID-19.

In his Monday press briefing, Roque denied that Duterte was taking advantage of the global health crisis.

“Nakakatawa po ‘yan dahil hindi lang naman sa Pilipinas ang merong pandemic,” he said.

Roque reiterated that Duterte will only declare martial law if the NPA will not stop attacking the police and soldiers. However, he explained that President Duterte will not be violating the Constitution if he would decide to declare martial law.

“Ang martial law ay gagamitin kapag nagpatuloy po ang NPA doon sa kanilang pag-atake sa sundalo, lalong-lalo na yung mga sundalo na nagbabantay lang naman sa mga nagbibigay ayuda sa ating mga taumbayan,” he said.

“‘Yan po ay nasa Saligang Batas. Wala pong pinagsasamantalahan ang Presidente dahil ang kanyang batayan naman ay Saligang Batas mismo,” he added.

On Sunday, Roque reiterated that President Duterte will not hesitate to declare martial law if the NPA will not cease from committing crimes.

“Pag hindi sila tumigil sa pag-atake at pagkuha ng mga ayuda na binibigay ng gobyerno sa taumbayan, ay mapipilitan siya mag-martial law,” Roque said.

In a taped address aired Friday, President Duterte threatened to declare martial law in the country if the “lawlessness” of the NPA continues.

“‘Pag nagpatuloy kayo ng lawlessness niyo, and it is happening all over the Philippines, maybe I will declare martial law,” he said, renewing his vow to “finish” all members of the communist group before his term ends in 2022. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)

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