Press Release
December 8, 2009

ROXAS CONDEMNS DELAY IN CONVENING OF CONGRESS
GMA BENT ON THWARTING WILL OF CONGRESS

Liberal Party President Senator Mar Roxas today condemned the deliberate attempt to thwart Congress' constitutional role to review the President's declaration of martial laws by the unnecessary delay in the convening of the joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

"Pinapatagal nila ang sesyon ng Senado at Kamara para bigyan sila ng mas matagal na panahon para ayusin ang kaso nila para sa martial law (The administration is delaying the convening of the Senate and the House to give itself more time to build up the case for martial law)," said Roxas.

He said that by the time Congress convenes its joint session as mandated in the Constitution, the declaration of martial law and all illegal activities committed by the government and its agents in the name of martial law have been committed.

"It becomes fait accompli," the opposition leader said.

Roxas pointed out that under the Constitution, "Congress, if not in session, shall, within twenty-four hours following such proclamation (of martial law) or suspension (of the writ of habeas corpus), convene in accordance with its rules without need of a call."

The congressional leadership has announced that the joint session will be convened only on Wednesday -- December 9. President Arroyo issued Proclamation No. 1959 last Saturday, or fully five days before Congress' leadership is to convene their joint session.

"I shudder at the thought of Congress violating the letter of the Constitution. We are setting here a bad precedent that can be used in the future by this abusive administration," Roxas said.

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