With the imposition of Martial Law in Maguindanao, Senator Chiz Escudero gave a statement and made known his concerns with regard to this act by President Arroyo.
I view with utmost concern the imposition of martial law in Maguindanao province, especially after the reported discovery of arms caches and documents related to past elections. I hope that this is not the case of “Maguindanao today-the Philippines tomorrow.”
The constitution is very clear. Section 18, Article 7 explicitly states that only in case of invasion or rebellion, and when the public safety requires it, can the commander-in-chief exercise this extreme option. These two cases are not obviously present in Maguindanao.
The current state of emergency would have sufficed to address the clamor for justice for the massacre victims and restore the rule of law in the province. For the longest time, this government has tolerated and promoted the culture of warlordism in Mindanao. Now, it seeks to be a warlord to undo what it has done.
On its face, the declaration of martial law in Maguindanao is legally defective. The President’s decision as well to suspend the writ of habeas corpus even during martial law is highly irregular. I am sure that Congress will act on this matter without delay.
In the meantime, I urge all military and police commanders to make sure that human rights are respected during this period.
I will oppose any attempt to use this tragic and reprehensible incident to prevent the truth about these illegal arms caches and documents that may related to electoral fraud from coming out through the imposition of martial law. I call on the people to be vigilant and to resist moves by those who seek to rule beyond 2010.
Popularity: 1% [?]
We just watch with vigilance. The arms and ammunitions discovered
in the property of the Warlord showed. That there is an Arms and
Ammunition trading business done by some Government Officials and
some Military ppersonnel. It is a crime of HIGH TREASON. These people
should face the Firing Squads.
The Mindanao Rebellion goes on and on. Because, it is a CASH COW to
some people. People lives are ruined, wives are widowed, soldiers
are killed and people are displaced because of the GREED of a few.
GREED of a few indeed. The most GREEDY one is that person who has a “few” centimeters in height- she’s small but incredibly greedy.
Define rebellion.
Seems like rebellion to me when 100 murderers mow down 60 innocent people. Not much compassion in this bunch, for sure, and if ever there were a case when due process can be stretched, this is it.
Joe
More murders and rapes were committed there. Because of the
conflict. Criminals use religions and politics to
hide or conceal their crimes. They may have killed thousands already. We dont know. They justify their crimes thru rebellion.
It was an outright mass murder caused by a rivalry between two political clans – there was no implication of rebellion/invasion. With justice being stalled long enough, that is Philippine due process working at its best.