BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan expressed his support to the possible declaration of martial law by President Rodrigo Duterte once there exists a constitutional crisis if it will be the ultimate remedy to instil discipline among the people and to eventually curb the worsening drug trade in the country.
The local chief executive claimed President Duterte is aware of the basis for the declaration of martial law and knows when he can do so.
“There is nothing wrong in the possible declaration of martial law, provided, the elements that will lead to its declaration exists in the country, and if it is the only available means to curb the proliferation of illegal drugs and subsequently instil discipline among our people,” Domogan stressed.
It can be recalled that President Duterte warned that he will be forced to declare martial law once the Supreme Court (SC) will continue to unduly intervene in his fight against the illegal drug trade in the country, and that such undue intervention will worsen the illegal drug trade.
According to him, it has been observed that the discipline has been significantly affected by factors such as the advancement of information and commination technology, whereby people no longer listen to simple appeal from authorities, and even children no longer give importance to the advice of elders.
He points that that the 1987 Constitution outlined the basis for Congress to grant authority to the President to declare martial law for a limited period of time, and it is now up to the legislative branch to ascertain whether or not there is sufficient basis to declare martial law.
He emphasized adopting an appropriate mechanism in order to significantly contribute in curbing the country’s drug menace and instilling discipline among the people will definitely be a tough assignment for the present administration. but the way things are going, it will be easy for the President to win the hearts of Filipinos to support his priority programs and projects because of the long overdue clamor for change which is in consonance with the slogan of President Duterte during the elections that change is coming.
Domogan claimed the government’s all-out campaign against illegal drugs is gaining ground barely over a month since the President assumed office, and other street crimes such as theft, robbery among others have also decreased over the past several weeks.
He appealed to barangay officials and local residents to continue cooperating with the present administration’s major programs and projects in order for the country to achieve lasting peace that will contribute in improving the progress and development that the people had been longing for.
By Dexter A. See
