Devanadera: Lifting martial law not meant to preempt Congress, SC

Malacañang has belied speculations the lifting of martial law over Maguindanao was meant to preempt Congress and the Supreme Court, which are tackling moves to have it lifted. Hours before martial law in Maguindanao was lifted at 9 p.m. Saturday, Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera maintained that the measure was imposed out of necessity and based on the requirements to ensure public safety. “Martial law is a power that is exercised out of necessity and when public safety requires. Therefore with (the report of the police and military that) there was no longer a threat to public safety, then this power of necessity must logically be lifted," she said. Several groups had lodged petitions before the Supreme Court seeking the repeal of martial law, even as Congress was having a joint session to deliberate on the matter. But Devanadera said she will still incorporate the lifting of martial law in the government’s comment on the matter before the Supreme Court on Monday. On the other hand, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said it is up to Congress on whether to continue with its joint session tackling martial law. “What is the effect of the revocation of Proclamation 1959 on the (joint session), we are leaving it to both houses of Congress. We cannot say what they will do we will have to await the decision of leadership of Congress," he said. Devanadera and Ermita, together with the chiefs to the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno called for a press conference Saturday afternoon to announce the lifting of martial law in Mauguindanao. Ermita said the Palace did not consult Congress before deciding to lift martial rule. “At this time we feel there is no need to consult with them yet because I’m very sure once they hear the decision reached in the announcement of revocation, members of Congress could have an idea how to move on as far as the deliberation of both houses of Congress assembled in joint session scheduled to resume on Monday," he said. Devanadera maintained the lifting will not affect the cases they already filed in court against those linked to the Nov. 23 massacre and to rebellion in Maguindanao. She said the evidence for rebellion charges are already in place, with witnesses secured and sworn statements taken. “Therefore the lifting will not go into merits of the cases that have been filed already," she said. No need for more troops AFP chief of staff Gen. Victor Ibrado said there is no need to send more troops to Maguindanao. “We don’t need to add more forces there now that martial law has been lifted," he said. Meanwhile, Secretary Puno insisted there was no conspiracy to extend martial law, adding every member of the Cabinet is always circumspect and careful on the matter. “Anytime we go into emergency measures we are very careful, we think very hard about these courses of action before we enter into them," he said. Metro secured vs spillover of violence Secretary Puno reassured Metro Manila residents that all precautions will be taken against a possible spillover of violence from Maguindanao. Puno made the assurance after the Supreme Court allowed the transfer of the murder charges against Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. to Quezon City. “We’ve always been taking special attention to ensure problems result from other areas don’t end up in Metro Manila. There are enough precautions in place, there are enough PNP personnel manning their posts to ensure safety will be ensured and public order will continue to reign in Metro Manila," he said. - LBG, GMANews.TV