MANILA -- The House of Representatives and Senate are set to hold a joint session on Wednesday to deliberate on the extension of martial law in Mindanao before they go into a congressional recess, Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas said.
"Joint Session to consider the request of the President for the further extension of the proclamation of Martial Law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the whole of Mindanao for a period of one year, from Jan. 1, 2018 to Dec. 31, 2018, will be on Wednesday, Dec. 13,2017 at 9 am," Fariñas told reporters in a text message.
He earlier said Congress may likely convene for a joint session on Thursday or Friday without a need for a special session.
Congress will adjourn on December 15 for its Christmas break and will resume on January 14, 2018.
President Rodrigo Duterte has formally asked Congress to re-extend Martial Law in Mindanao for a full year through a letter dated December 8.
President 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)
