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MANILA, Philippines – On Tuesday, Chief Presidential Legal Adviser Salvador Panelo clarified that his comments on the coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19) as “invasion” and reason for the declaration of martial law were only intended for “discussion academic and theoretical. “
“The comments that this representation made about martial law last Monday, May 4, 2020 during its program, Contrapunto, particularly regarding its other base, the existence of an invasion, were more of an academic and theoretical discussion, and were not facts to express the government’s official position on the matter, “Panelo said in a statement.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said that President Rodrigo Duterte does not share the same opinion as Panelo about controversial comment.
“Those destined for those trained in law, as well as law students and legal academics, to explore the ever-changing state of affairs regarding the dynamics of our Constitution, especially now that we are fighting a global pandemic.” Panelo further said.
Panelo said he was only making a legal speech about whether the Constitution “should be restricted to the conventional understanding.”
“It is similar to a teacher defending a theory so that law students can be excited, encouraged, and pressured to exercise their legal aptitude to analyze textbook precepts and apply them to real-life circumstances,” he explained.
During his program on a state television network, Panelo said that the definition of “invasion” is no longer limited to other nations that use the armed forces to occupy a country and, therefore, may be reason to declare martial law.
Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra He noted that in the context of declaring martial law, “invasion” refers to “invasion of a country by foreign armed forces.” Roque agreed with Guevarra’s statement. Under the 1987 Constitution, the President can only proclaim martial law in case of invasion and rebellion when public security requires it.
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For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.
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