Gordon Hits Martial Law

as Historic session begins

AT exactly 4:12 p.m. yesterday, the House of Representatives and the Senate officially started the historic session to discuss Presidential Proclamation 1959 which placed Maguindanao under martial law.

There were 192 representatives and 18 senators in the session presided by Speaker Prospero Nograles and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.

Senators Lito Lapid and Pia Cayetano failed to attend.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera, Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno and National Police Director General Jesus Verzosa were present to defend martial law.

Sen. Richard Gordon made an issue on the absence of Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales and Armed Forces Chief Victor, saying their absence shows that martial law is not needed.

“Sila ang kinatawan ng pamahalaan para sagutin ang issue. Lumalabas dito na bale wala ang martial law and everything is under control. Lumalabas din na mahina ang kaso ng gobyerno kasi pinababayaan na lumabas sila ng bansa sa gitna ng issue,” Gordon said.

Nograles expects the session to last until next week. By: Jester P. Manalastas - People's Journal