This story
was taken from Bulatlat, the Philippines's alternative weekly
newsmagazine (www.bulatlat.com, www.bulatlat.net, www.bulatlat.org).
Vol. VI, No. 4, February 26 - March 4, 2006
State of
Emergency a Drawback to Authoritarianism, Says Bacolod Councilor “We
are now on the edge of martial law because the content of the proclamation is
substantially the same as Marcos’ Proclamation 1081. What will happen to us
without freedom and democracy?” said Atty. Rudy Parreno of the Negros Movement
for Moral Regeneration. “This is a drawback to authoritarianism,” said Bacolod
City Councilor Lyndon Cana. BY
KARL G. OMBION Bacolod City – President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo stunned the nation yesterday when she suddenly issued
Proclamation 1017, declaring a state of national emergency. There are no guidelines yet
regarding the implementation of Proclamation 1017. But some specific
instructions from Malacanang are reportedly out, among them, the cancellation of
all permits to carry firearms, prohibition of staging of political rallies or
perceived as anti-government rallies, warrant-less arrests, seizure of
establishments and utilities, aiding enemies of the state. Several political figures
here have given their initial reaction to the proclamation, with most expressing
mixed responses, and others outrage. Surprised Former Negros Occidental
governor and currently Presidential Adviser for Visayas Secretary Lito
Coscolluela said he was caught by surprise because he has not yet received a
copy of the said proclamation, and there’s no sufficient explanation given so
far. “So, we cannot cast any
judgment yet, but there must be compelling reasons based on intelligence data
regarding certain groups engaging in the destabilization of the government”,
Coscolluela added. Congressmen Ignacio ‘Iggy’
Arroyo of the 5th District of Negros Occidental said that there is
nothing to fear about the state of emergency. “It is based and directed against
the the union of the left and right extremists who are out to overthrow the
government” Negros Occidental Governor
Joseph Maranon said that the power to declare emergency is exclusively on
President Arroyo. “I am sure she has basis for doing so, which unfortunately we
have no access yet. I tell you to relax as we still monitor the unfolding of
events in Manila. I have already instructed all local officials to maintain
peace and order in their areas”, he added. Negros Occidental
Provincial Police Office Director P/Sr.Supt Charles Calima said that they are on
full alert, and will provide additional support for the City of Bacolod being
the center of political activities. He said he already got instructions from
national headquarters to break all political rallies, and cancel rally permits,
but quickly added that in so far as Bacolod is concerned there’s really no big
problem. “We’ll enforce the law to its fullest”, he said. Militants, opposition
vow more protests Meanwhile, militant groups
and the opposition slammed President Arroyo’s declaration of a state of national
emergency as a prelude to martial law. Felipe Gelle,
Secretary-General of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Negros (Bayan or New Patriotic
Alliance) said that President Arroyo is deeply isolated, and so desperate to
cling to power that she is resorting to more repressive political measures and
tactics. “But Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) and his generals are wrong,
the people will only be further enraged and boot her out of power”, he said. Lawyer Rudy Parreno,
spokesman of the Negros Movement for Moral Regeneration (NMMR) said that the
declaration of state of emergency cannot be legal and moral, it is a desperate
move of GMA wanting to stay in power via martial rule. Parreno said, “We are now
on the edge of martial law because the content of the proclamation is
substantially the same as Marcos’ Proclamation 1081. What will happen to us
without freedom and democracy?” he asked. He also urged the people to
resist GMA’s repressive measure. Prof. Virgilio Aguilar of
the September 6 Movement (S6M), said, “GMA’s latest move is a clear takeover of
ultra-right forces in Malacanang who have a penchant for undemocratic and
terroristic actions.” Bayan-Negros, NMRR and
other allied groups staged a anti-GMA protest rally yesterday, participated by
more than a thousand people. They demanded the immediate junking of the state of
national emergency, and the ouster of GMA. Bacolod City Councilor
Lyndon Cana slammed GMA saying “the state of national emergency is not only
politically-motivated, but also unconstitutional, illegal and immoral”. Cana
said there is no clear and present danger or threat because the people are just
engaged in militant but peaceful protests. Cana also said that this is
a drawback to authoritanianism. Valladolid Mayor Ricardo
Presbitero, also the provincial coordinator of Partido ng Masang Pilipino (Party
of the Filipino Masses) and member of the United Opposition, hit GMA saying, “It
is not necessary, because the people are waging their protest actions
peacefully. What she is doing will only further polarize the situation”, he
said. He added that the “state of
national emergency is actually a state of survival for GMA”. Presbitero foresees that
this declaration will stir another constitutional crisis in the country.
Bulatlat © 2006 Bulatlat
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