Congress may hold joint session on martial law extension this week

By Filane Mikee Cervantes  

 MANILA -- The House of Representatives and Senate may likely hold a joint session this week to deliberate on the extension of martial law in Mindanao before they go into a congressional recess, Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas said on Monday.

"Our session officially ends on Friday, December 15; hence, we may have a joint session on Thursday or Friday as part of the 2nd Regular Session, without a need of a special session," Fariñas told reporters in a text message.

Congress will adjourn on December 15 for its Christmas break and will resume on January 14, 2018.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared the entire Mindanao under martial law on May 23, 2017 after IS-inspired terrorists laid siege in Marawi City.

Congress, in a special joint session, granted the extension of martial law until December 31 on President Duterte's request.

In October, Lorenzana announced the end of the five-month-long conflict between government forces and Maute terrorists in Marawi City following the death of top terrorist leaders Omar Maute and Isnilon Hapilon. (PNA)