Speaker Prospero Nograles Sunday vowed to rally the majority in the House of Representatives to support President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s decision to place Maguindanao under martial law even as strong rejection for its affirmation is anticipated from the Senate.

Nograles, together with Malacanang’s allies in the Lower House, has defended Arroyo in her declaration of martial law as they pointed out that the military occupation of the province is needed to suppress possible rebellion of followers of the Ampatuan clan whose members were tagged as the mastermind in the barbaric massacre of 57 unarmed civilians on November 23.

Quezon City Rep. Matias Defensor, who last week proposed the imposition of martial law over Maguindanao, said public sentiment for a military rule that would immediately bring about peace and order in the province is “very strong.”

However, several solons led by Laguna Rep. Edgar San Luis aired the possibility of Congress summoning Arroyo to fully explain her decision and convince lawmakers that the situation in Maguindanao requires martial rule.

“Imposing martial law is an extreme measure. We have to get to the bottom of the whole story and not rely solely on the official report,” San Luis said.

Isabela Rep. Giorgidi Aggabao said the executive department should conduct a formal briefing for lawmakers before any voting on the issue is to be conducted. “Otherwise, hearsay lahat ang knowledge ng mga solons sa mga events, “ Aggabao explained.

Lanao del Norte Rep. Abdullah Dimaporo said Congress no longer has time to conduct hearings on the issue, adding that it must immediately vote once the President’s report is presented to the joint session.

Under the Constitution Congress is mandated to hold a joint session within 48 hours form the declaration of martial law to affirm or reject such proclamation based on the report to be forwarded by the president.

“We strongly support the President’s move. She did the right thing,” Nograles said as he voiced his initiative to lead the House collective leadership in presenting, and ultimately passage, a House Resolution in support of the Martial law declaration.

However, in his reaction to Defensor’s martial law proposal last week, the House leader said its imposition “can be impractical” because it would require the approval of Congress which may not be able to muster quorum as a result of the “holiday and election season.”