Manila, June 16 -- Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday rejected claims that the security inspection at the Senate amounted to "martial law," saying the sweep was conducted to protect senators, employees, and members of the media amid reported threats.

Lacson said the security survey and inspection of the Senate premises by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection, assisted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, was prompted by intelligence reports on a possible security concern.

"What martial law?" Lacson said. "Those with clean consciences should all welcome instead of criticize the SSI (Security Survey and Inspection) that was conducted by the PNP and the Bureau of Fire Protection, assisted by the Armed Forc...