Cebuano execs back Arroyo declaration

CEBU — Despite doubts on the constitutionality of President Arroyo’s decision to place Metro Manila under a state of rebellion, the declaration has won the support of several Cebuano leaders.

Gov. Pablo Garcia said the move proved the adminis—tration’s capability to handle intense political tensions without making unnecessary sacrifices.

Arroyo declared Metro Manila under a state of rebellion Tuesday after Estrada loyalists stormed Malacañang in an attempt to topple the present administration.

Garcia said the administration has the right to defend itself from any attempt to overthrow it.

Provincial board member Victor Maambong, who is running for re-election under the Alayon party, condemned the riot but found the arrest of opposition leaders and the declaration of the state of rebellion questionable.

Maambong, however, said that if the senators accused of initiating the rebellion want to make changes in government they should attain it through the electoral process.

The board member said the allegations against the opposition leaders will not likely affect the candidacies of local Alayon bets.

"Maybe the national candidates will be affected. But the people will judge each local candidate according to his (or her) performance," Maambong said.

Barug Sugbu, a non-government group, said Arroyo’s decision is justifiable to stop the anarchy.

"They were assaulting the Palace and that is complete anarchy. If the government did not do something to stop them, then it is not doing its job," said Ernesto Aboitiz, Barug Sugbu chairman.

Aboitiz believe that the attack on Malacañang was headed and supported by politicians with selfish interests.

He urged Cebuanos to remain vigilant over the possible entry of "pro-Erap bugoys" who could create chaos in Cebu.

C-CIMPEL’s Marilou Chiongbian, however, said that while their group acknowledges and sympathizes with the legitimate grievances of the participants to the so-called "EDSA 3," they condemn the violent acts of these people.

The militant party-list group Akbayan-Cebu also welcomed the declaration but warned the President to view it as a short-term move.

"The Arroyo administration should set the declaration only for the short-term because this will affect investments in the country," Akbayan’s Alvin Dizon said.

He said that should this declaration lead to the suppression of human rights, Akbayan will be in the frontline in opposing it.

"As long as the objective of the declaration is to arrest those behind the violence in Malacanang, this may be acceptable," Dizon said. — Freeman News Service