Practice question
After severe flooding, a military commander announces that rescue operations would be faster if the unit replaced the municipal council and assumed permanent authority over local civilian administration. No law, lawful order, or constitutional mechanism authorizes that transfer. The mayor welcomes military assistance with rescue work but rejects military control of civilian government. The commander argues that protecting the people makes military authority superior whenever a disaster occurs. Which assessment best reflects Article II?
- The mayor's position is consistent with civilian supremacy; military assistance does not itself authorize displacement of civilian government.
- The commander becomes the superior civilian authority simply by directing rescue work.
- A disaster automatically suspends civilian supremacy until the military declares it over.
- The military may permanently replace civilian government whenever it promises faster services.
- The commander's good intentions remove the need for legal authority.
Legal references
- 1987 Constitution, Article II, Sections 3 and 4: https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/3/353
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