President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared Maguindanao under martial law. This was announced a few hours ago by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita citing the deterioration of peace and order and government mechanisms are not functioning and therefore endangering public safety.
“Condition of peace and order in Maguindanao has deteriorated to the extent that government mechanisms are not functioning thus endangering public safety . . .” Ermita said, reading from the proclamation.
Some notable personalities have also expressed their opinions regarding PGMA’s proclamation. According to UP Law dean Marvic Leonen:
“The heinous massacre of civilians in Ampatuan, Maguindanao deserves competence of the highest order in the gathering, preserving and evaluation of evidence as well as in the subsequent arrest and prosecution of its perpetrators. It should also be the platform for a sober approach that will comprehensively address the issue of private armies of misguided politicians. Any meaningful solution should be led by civilians preferably those who can remain independent of influence from national public officials who have openly declared partisan interests in the upcoming election.”
According to Senator Francis Pangilinan, the declaration is a violation of the Constitution:
“Labag sa Saligang Batas ang nasabing deklarasyon. Tulad ng EO 464 at Proclamation 1017 dapat ibasura ang proklamasyong ito dahil ito ay kontra sa Saligang Batas. Hindi na kailangan ang proklamasyon upang mapaaresto ang mga salarin. At base sa mga reports ay naaresto na ang mga Ampatuan.”
Some notable personalities have also expressed their opinions. Carlos Celdran, famous for his walking tours, tweets:
“ML [martial law] prevented a clan war. K? Jeez. Gma does not act. They bitch. She does act. They still bitch. Whiners.”
Jim Ayson, founder of PhilMusic.com has this to say:
“So is Maguindanao like a failed state right now? And it happened on whose watch?”
According to the Philippine Constitution, the president is required to submit a report in person or in writing to Congress 48 hours after the proclamation of martial law but it appears members of congress favor the move. From the tweet of veteran journalist Julius Babao:
Speaker Nograles: No need 2 convene Congress. House and Senate leaders will just discuss issue. Besides, It’s effective only for 60 days. Congress has majority President support. I am confident Martial law move will get congressional support.
A Twitter user also laments on how most Filipinos are indifferent when it comes it issues affecting the country.
“Kung may Facebook na noong panahon noon ng Martial Law, puro Farmville updates lang ba ang makikita natin?”
Image courtesy of http://www.mindanao.com
Comments on this entry are closed.