The belatedly released Resolution of Both Houses No. 4, which contains the approval by the Congress of the extension of martial law and suspension of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao, is a copycat version of President Rodrigo Duterte’s proffered justification in his letter dated December 8, 2017 to the Congress seeking the extension.

Rep. Edcel C. Lagman, the lead petitioner in G.R. No. 235935, told the Supreme Court this in his oral argument.

The Albay solon underscored that “both the President and the Congress are responsible for the constitutionally flawed yearlong extension”.

The extension is the dual responsibility of both the Chief Executive and the Congress.

Lagman explained that the President initiated the extension while the Congress granted it upon the behest of the President with “inordinate haste and without adequate deliberation”.

He said the President failed to show in his letter sufficient factual basis for the extension because there is no existing rebellion in Mindanao and public safety does not necessitate the extension.

On the other hand, Lagman emphasized that the Congress failed to independently and judiciously review the basis submitted by the President.

EDCEL C. LAGMAN