It is constitutionally mandatory for the House of Representatives and the Senate to immediately convene in joint session to consider whether or not to revoke the President’s declaration of martial law.
The critical immediacy of holding the joint session is manifest from the following:
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The President is given only 48 hours to report to the Congress his imposition of martial law. This was complied with by the President in the evening of May 24, 2017.
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If the Congress is not in session, it shall meet in joint session without need of any call within 24 hours from said declaration. The urgency of the joint session is even more imperative now because the Congress is in regular session.
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The declaration of martial law is effective immediately. Hence, there must be no undue delay in the congressional assessment of the declaration’s merits, factual basis and territorial coverage.
The reported individual opinions of Members of the Congress that they are not disposed to revoke the declaration must not be used as an alibi by the leadership of both Chambers not to convene because there is need for a collective decision of a majority of all Members voting jointly whether or not to junk or delimit the martial law imposition.
The ensuing debates in the joint session will afford the people the opportunity to know the pros and cons on the declaration of martial law, particularly from the political opposition and the independent-minded members of the supermajority in both Houses.
Accordingly, the briefing to be made by cabinet members and other relevant agencies must be conducted in conjunction with the convening of the joint session, and not separate from it.
EDCEL C. LAGMAN