Rep. Edcel C. Lagman, the lead petitioner in the challenge before the Supreme Court praying for the nullification of the declaration of martial law in the whole of Mindanao, chastised Solicitor General Jose Calida for badmouthing the petitioners who include Reps. Tomasito Villarin, Gary Alejano, Emmanuel Billones, Teddy Brawner Baguilat, Jr. and Edgar Erice.

Lagman said that Calida demeaned his office by calling the petitioners “rabble-rousers” and “psychotics”.

If Calida has not read the 30-page petition or has nothing yet to say traversing its merits, he should hold his tongue and study the case seriously.

The congressional records of the petitioners verily show that they are vigilant and hardworking lawmakers who vigorously protect the independence of the legislature, safeguard the civil liberties of the people and actively participate in the debates on important legislation.

In fact, no one among them staged the usual “photo opportunity” dramatizing the filing of the petition before the High Court.

The petitioners’ well-reasoned petition contains legal and factual verities, not psychotic perorations.

Contrary to the statement of Calida, although the Constitution does not specifically require any recommendation or consultation prior to the President’s declaration of martial law, it is obvious and imperative that the exercise of this extraordinary emergency power should be preceded by appropriate recommendation from and thorough consultation with the ranking defense and military officials.

These did not happen as admitted by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and in fact no such recommendation and consultation were mentioned in Proclamation No. 216.

Presidential Chief Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo’s branding of the petition as “black propaganda” must be disregarded as a stereotypical reaction by apologists of the President.

EDCEL C. LAGMAN