Duterte wins extra yr of martial law powers

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte yesterday won martial law powers across the southern third of the country for one more year to combat Islamic militants and leftist rebels, as Congress brushed aside fears of a looming dictatorship. Duterte's request to extend martial law in the Mindanao region until December 31 next year and detain rebellion suspects there without charge was approved by 240 votes to 27 at a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives.