MANILA — An incensed Solicitor General Jose Calida challenged a former congressman to a debate right before the Supreme Court resumed Wednesday oral arguments on moves to nullify President Rodrigo Duterte’s martial law declaration in Mindanao.

Standing across the other side of the courtroom, Calida called out former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares, who earlier questioned reasons cited in the President’s report to Congress.

“Why don’t you call him because we were talking here and he was talking friendly to me. He should say that to my face,” Calida told reporters before turning to Colmenares, who was talking with someone else and did not hear him.

“Hey, why don't you come here, Neri? You see? He’s a coward.”

Calida insisted “all the elements of rebellion were present” when Duterte issued Proclamation No. 216. The President also suspended the privilege of the writ habeas corpus.

The Solicitor General said petitions against martial law such Colmenares should go to Marawi City and “see what’s happening on the ground.”

At least 58 government troops have been killed and more than a hundred wounded since clashes with Maute terrorists erupted more than three weeks ago.

“We have seen whats happening in Marawi… I don’t have to say anything. People believe there’s rebellion. Anyone who says there’s no rebellion is detached from reality. Incidentally, that is the sign of psychosis,” Calida said.

Colmenares said petitioners need not to go to Marawi to question the martial law proclamation.

“Kailangan bang pumunta ang Korte Suprema sa Marawi para desisyunan ito? President Duterte was in Russia when he signed the proclamation?” he said.