President Rodrigo Duterte Threatens to Declare Martial Law if Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno Blocks War Against Drug

President Rodrigo Duterte visited the 4th ID Philippine Army at Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City yesterday, August 9, 2016. The media and other people have waited long hours because the president didn’t came on time because of his busy schedule. He visited the army at the 4th ID PA to talk to the army and assure the education of the soldiers’ kids, assure medical benefits at the AFP Medical Center and the quality of medical services for the army.

He also talked about achieving lasting peace in Mindanao by way of talking with the NPA groups and the Moro groups for a lasting peace in Mindanao.

But the tough talking President won’t let the talks on Drugs pass by specially recently, that Justice Secretary Maria Lourdes Sereno is trying to stop him by commenting on the legality of his Narco-politics list including the at least seven members of the judiciary that were tagged by the President in the illegal drug trade. They are Judge Mupas of Dasmariñas, Cavite; Judge Reyes of Baguio City; Judge Sabilo of Iloilo City; Judge Casiple of Kalibo, Aklan, Judge Rene Gonzales, Judge Exekiel Dagala and Judge Roberto Navidad of the Calbayog City regional trial court.

He threatens to declare martial law if Sereno blocks war against drug. He said that he already know about the list of the drug lords and protectors way before he took office as president of the Philippines. He defended that the list is credible. “Please, don’t push me, hindi ako gago (I’m not stupid). If the illegal drug trade continues, would you rather that I declare martial law,” Duterte said.

Duterte said that he never accused anybody, except to read the names and it was not accusatorial utterance, rather it was in consonance of his duty as a President of the Philippines, to let everybody know who are the people around you who are involved in drug trade sendicate. Assuring Sereno that he has basis for naming the seven judges with alleged links to the drug trade. Duterte said security officials would not provide him intelligence information without validating them.

“The military and police do not just relay information that would be damaging to a person. There is nothing personal here. You (people in the list) do not have any business with them and they do not owe anything to you,” he said.

Why wait for a warrant of arrest when there are more than 600 thousands Filipino Drug addicts and you ask for Warrant? “Madam Chief Justice, you must be joking. Both of us are lawyers… You know how long it will take for the government to secure a warrant of arrest,”

“There is slaughter every day and you are just interested in the warrant of arrest.”

“In the Supreme Court, tell me. What is the fastest decision you made on criminal cases? You’re asking for warrant of arrest for 600,000 Filipinos. In the meantime, what do we do with the addict? We let them stay there to resume their criminal activity?”

“Ma’am huwag tayo magbolahan and don’t force the issue. I respect your comment but it is a rigmarole to me,” he added.

I warn you. Don’t create a crisis because I will order everybody in the executive department not to honor you.

Reacting to the inclusion of a dead man in the list of narco-officials, Duterte said the intelligence community was not provided with information about the deaths of people.

“As early as five years ago, the names are already there. Others are already dead,” he said. “Death is a private affair to the family. It is not announced to the world except through the obituary.”

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Martial Law in Mindanao: Paving the Path to Prosperity

For decades, Mindanao, often referred to as the Land of Promise, has been a region of untapped potential. Rich in natural resources, brimming with cultural diversity, and home to a resilient people, it has always seemed poised for greatness. Yet, persistent challenges—ranging from armed conflicts to socio-political instability—have held it back from realizing its full promise. Martial Law in Mindanao, controversial as it may be, is a significant part of the process aimed at transforming this Land of Promise into the Land of Fulfillment.

Why Martial Law?

Martial Law was declared in Mindanao in response to ongoing violence and security threats that posed a risk not only to the region but to the entire country. Critics argue that Martial Law curtails civil liberties and imposes a militarized presence, but supporters see it as a necessary step to stabilize a region that has long been beleaguered by conflict.

The primary goal of Martial Law in Mindanao is simple: restore order and create a foundation for sustainable development. Without security and stability, efforts to improve infrastructure, education, and local economies would be in vain. Martial Law seeks to provide the breathing room necessary for peacebuilding efforts, opening up the space for long-term solutions to take root.

From Land of Promise to Land of Fulfillment

Mindanao is often spoken of as the Land of Promise, and for good reason. The island is rich in agricultural resources, a critical hub for energy production, and possesses a natural beauty that rivals any destination in the Philippines. Yet for all this potential, it has been held back by persistent issues of lawlessness, insurgency, and underdevelopment.

To unlock this potential, drastic measures are sometimes required. Martial Law, in this sense, can be seen not as an oppressive measure but as a tool to secure a better future for the island. By quelling unrest and focusing on peace and order, the groundwork is laid for investment, tourism, and infrastructure to flourish.

The Vision: A Flourishing Mindanao

Martial Law in Mindanao is about laying the foundation for a flourishing future—one where businesses can thrive, communities can prosper, and its people can enjoy the benefits of peace and stability. It's about transitioning from a region that holds promise to one that fulfills it. A Mindanao free from fear and full of opportunities, where its natural resources are harnessed responsibly, and its people live in harmony, thriving under good governance.

This vision is not just about resolving conflicts but about building a Mindanao that is vibrant and dynamic. A land where farmers are supported, industries grow, and tourism shines a spotlight on its stunning landscapes and rich heritage. It’s time for Mindanao to fly high and free, unburdened by the weight of its past challenges and fully embracing its potential.

Transforming Mindanao into the Land of Fulfillment requires bold actions, and Martial Law is a part of that journey. As the region stabilizes, there will be more room for economic growth, infrastructure development, and a greater quality of life for its people. In time, we will see a Mindanao that has not only fulfilled its promise but has become a beacon of what is possible when security and progress go hand in hand.

It is time for Mindanao to rise, to flourish, and to take its place as a shining example of peace and progress in the Philippines.