Word was abuzz in media, until confirmation was made and according to sources within military, that Martial Law will be imposed early Saturday Morning. According to ABS CBN, this move could pave the way for swift arrests of other suspects, including members of the Ampatuan clan, who have been linked to the November 23 massacre in Maguindanao.
The order was reportedly approved on Thursday night.
According to Speaker of The House Prospero Nograles, congress may not be able to convene because of elections and the holiday season. Furthermore, he has stated that a state of emergency should suffice in bringing to justice those responsible in The Maguindanao massacre.
SECTION 18 of The 1987 Constitution
The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Philippines and whenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion. In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, he may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law. Within forty-eight hours from the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, the President shall submit a report in person or in writing to the Congress. The Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at least a majority of all its Members in regular or special session, may revoke such proclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be set aside by the President. Upon the initiative of the President, the Congress may, in the same manner, extend such proclamation or suspension for a period to be determined by the Congress, if the invasion or rebellion shall persist and public safety requires it.
The Congress, if not in session, shall, within twenty-four hours following such proclamation or suspension, convene in accordance with its rules without need of a call.
The Supreme Court may review, in an appropriate proceeding filed by any citizen, the sufficiency of the factual basis of the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or the extension thereof, and must promulgate its decision thereon within thirty days from its filing.
A state of martial law does not suspend the operation of the Constitution, nor supplant the functioning of the civil courts or legislative assemblies, nor authorize the conferment of jurisdiction on military courts and agencies over civilians where civil courts are able to function, nor automatically suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus.
The suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall apply only to persons judicially charged for rebellion or offenses inherent in, or directly connected with, invasion.
During the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, any person thus arrested or detained shall be judicially charged within three days, otherwise he shall be released.
Popularity: 1% [?]
With various Warlords, Rebels of every kind, plain bandits and
criminals roaming in the area. We have now a Province in State
of War. Gloria Arroyo is as liable as the Ampatuan Clan in this
horrible crime and tragedy. She allowed the Clan to have too much power.
As for the Firearms and Ammunitions that were buried and confiscated.
How did they get there? Somebody is profiting in the sale and trade
of arms. These people may possibly come from the high places in the government, PNP and AFP. Our troops are lacking in ammunitions. While the ammunitions are being diverted to the Ampatuan Clan and to possible sale to rebels and bandits.
This may have stayed the mindset of the Ampatuan Clan. To do anything, including mass murders. Because they are above the law. They have friends and business partners in high places, including the military. They know that AFP and high government officials that may have been involved are as corrupt and as horrible criminals, as they are!
I think even liars, cheats and thieves are disgusted at the arrogance behind the massacre and the brutality against Filipinos.
Joe
“Hang Em High”…..
If it pans out to be true that martial law will be imposed in Maguindanao the GMA/GIBO tandem are moving to establish the narrative that follows the simmering anger amongst many and re-direct it it towards the easily identifiable warlord clan involved.
The counterparty warlord clan has already been drawn into their camp. They are simply moving to protect their voting bank in the ARRM region.
Every move of the President was orchestrated as part of the story board. As the saying goes, it would be a shame to waste a crisis.
Majority of Pinoys want to see people in the gallows. We have DILG head Puno who has always been a Dirty Harry wannabee… The PNP/Military have been disgraced in front of their benefactors the U.S.
The signal was the suspension of aid by the U.S. government in Maguindanao until law and order was restored. State power was replaced by a barbaric feudal lord.
All of a sudden the weak state measurement index moved in the direction of a failed state.
Playing their cards right the GMA/GIBO tandem stand to gain serious mileage in the communication game leading up to the elections. The entire media community will make this issue front and center.
Solita Monsod spoke to soon in saying that this will define the history of the GMA government. She intends to be a factor still for a while. She still remains the commander in chief.
The truth that she is reeking of bloody hands in this whole affair will be forgotten. She will push the Ampatuan clan in front of the train.
I will watch how this grand masquerade being unfolded by these devious schemers which we all know. They are taking us into a ride. They thought people could not see these grand deception. What’s the next card DILG Sec. Punot?
They should have done these declaration last Nov. 24, a day after the massacre not after almost two weeks. Look, they haven’t caught someone red-handed. I suspect that they are even the ones who advise to hide those weapons and the forthcoming raid. Its all for a show, right? At the end of the day, ampao and glo will still be friends.
So, Trillanes and Lim have been right all along.
As ill-equipped and low-paid soldiers are sent to their deaths, someone high up in the chain of command is selling gear to the enemy.
It is a vicious “Merchants of Death” play game. These “Merchants of Death” have no capital. They use our tax money in the business. They use their government positions (civilian or military) to start and engage in the business. The business of selling arms and ammunitions to anyboby in the conflicts.
This is the main cause. The Mindanao problem goes on and on.
Like in the Middle East. When there are Wars and Conflicts. There is great Money to be made. IT IS GREED and PROFIT, DUMMIES! Worse than those thieving CEO’s at Wall Street in New York, U.S.A. It kills people and give a lot of suffering to people.
This Hypocrisy is what I call “The Clearing Of The Land Mines”
And it well describe by [Dean de la Paz says:]
The military should realize that there is no difference between the warlord in Maguindanao and the warlord in Malacanang. The warlords should be dealt with the same way.
this is further evidence of Gloria Arroyo’s “Matatag na Republika”.
onward to first world status 2010!
martial law in the time of marcos suffer many people due not to say anything against the government.but when the case of the amputuan will be prove by the witnesses maybe the good reason is that we should let the justice grow until we have justified that the amputuan we’re the killers of our rights….
pgma is not thinking that martial law would not be the solution for the foolishness war politics
The Provincial Government owned Back Hoe is in the site. Where
the Mass Murderers buried their victims. There is also a phone
call from one of the victims to her husband, before the mass murder. What proof are you still looking for?
The Back Hoe did not go there by itself! And there is strong motive for the Mass Murder. The people murdered are a threat to their Political Power…
:) who said that?