Martial law, term extension not on Marcos mind – Bersamin

Metro Manila, Philippines – Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is not considering declaring martial law or seeking to perpetuate himself in power in his move to reorganize the National Security Council (NSC).

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque suggested in a Facebook post that the president might be contemplating a martial law declaration, similar to that imposed by his late father, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, in 1972.

Roque posted, “Uy, bakit wala sa NSC si VP Sara, Tatay Digong, PGMA at Erap? Nung panahon ni Sr., ganito rin nung nagdeklara ng Martial Law. Mag take two kaya si Junior?”

[Translation: Why are VP Duterte, former presidents Rodrigo Duterte, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and Joseph Estrada not in the NSC? This was similar to the time the Senior declared martial law. Will Junior do a take two?]

Bersamin’s response: "Alam mo, kung iniisip mo iyan lagi, that’s malicious ano [You know, if you're constantly thinking about that, that's malicious] because the Constitution is very clear when a president may declare martial law. I don’t think it is in the mind of the president right now."

He said the president is focused on pressing national issues like improving the economy, health care, and his legacy projects.

“It’s not about martial law, it’s not about extending himself in power – no! He has no thoughts of that. He doesn’t even think in those terms. Malicious talaga is Mr. Harry Roque [Mr. Harry Roque is really malicious],” said Bersamin.

Roque has yet to respond to Bersamin’s remarks.