This is how Rep. Edcel C. Lagman, the lead petitioner in the first petition challenging the year long extension of martial law and suspension of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao, reacted to the 10-5 decision of the High Court validating the extension.

“When the majority of the justices of the Supreme Court fall in cadence with the President and the Congress in violating the Constitution, then the country is abandoned in the quagmire of tripartite derogation of the people’s civil liberties”, Lagman added.

The Supreme Court verdict will embolden President Rodrigo Duterte in flaunting the rule of law because he can seek refuge behind the robes of majority of the Supreme Court justices.

From all constitutional angles, the extension of martial law and suspension of the writ for one more year in Mindanao has no sufficient factual anchorage because Proclamation No. 216 has become functus officio after the Armed Forces of the Philippines has decimated the leadership and membership of the Maute-Abu Sayyaf terrorist groups, the principal, if not the sole target, of the martial law declaration.

This led the President to declare the liberation of Marawi and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to announce that all combat operations have been terminated way back in October 2017.

Four of the 10 justices who voted for the extension are recent appointees of the President and another four of the concurring justices are possible contenders to replace Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno who is facing impeachment proceedings.

EDCEL C. LAGMAN