Old habits die hard

Anti-GMA forces were probably looking forward to holding bigger and grander assemblies on the 20th anniversary of Edsa People Power. But the string of protest rallies that started with the Garci wiretap controversy seemed to have built up to an anti-climax when last Friday, the President issued Proclamation 1017 that placed the entire nation in a state of emergency. Under the proclamation, rally permits were supposed to have been revoked, but just the same, former President Cory Aquino and her strange new allies held a wreath offering/prayer rally on Ayala Avenue afternoon of that day, and were largely ignored by anti-riot policemen that ringed the area.

Expectedly, the proclamation was met with a rash of condemnations by the President’s detractors. "Overkill" was the emphatic reaction that came from former President Fidel V. Ramos. It stood out in my mind not only because it was a very legitimate concern for those fearful of losing their freedom and political rights, but also because the term could very well apply to the activities of various elements disgruntled with the Arroyo presidency. Since the President sat in office and especially since the Garci tape scandal, they have made it their regular pursuit to plan conspiracies, hold rallies and stage marches.

Notwithstanding the impression of political instability that they presented to the international community and the domestic front, which adversely affected the country’s economy, these protest actions were mostly tolerated by the administration. But what broke the camel’s back was the alleged coup plot hatched by military adventurists, fuelled by political opportunists and supposedly in conspiracy with certain elements of the CPP-NPA.

The President’s security advisers thought the gravity of the threat called for corresponding action, as the Constitution clearly empowers the executive branch to protect the state and citizenry from threats of violence and bloodshed.

There was also the equally important need to preserve the country’s economic gains, as stated by GMA. Even Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales underlined the gravity of the situation when he chided coup plotters in his homily at the EDSA rites.

The weekend events also proved that old habits die hard and wait only for opportune times to be resurrected and flaunted. This was what happened last Sunday at Fort Bonifacio, when a senior officer protested what he felt was an unjust relief of the Marines’ commandant. But what were supposedly purely internal affairs among the Marines once more became a convenient excuse for anti-GMA forces to howl their standard "Oust GMA" refrain. Rushing to the scene, they sang songs and prayed, probably for a repeat of EDSA 1. But with Imee Marcos and leftist groups who were an absent force in February 1986 in attendance, that wish for an encore was doomed, notwithstanding Tita Cory’s presence.

Thankfully, the Marines demonstrated utmost professionalism and did not allow themselves to be used for partisan politics. Even Malacañang uncharacteristically kept itself away from the incident. In the end, the Marines decided to resolve the issue among themselves.

The prompt resolution of the standoff was immediately reflected in the economy’s performance: the stock market bounced back from its predictable dip when Proclamation 1017 was first declared; the peso recovered; fuel prices went down and there was a rollback in LPG prices. All these are signs that the situation could again be on the road to stability.

The President set the tone with her visit to the Entrepreneurship Summit and, by her actions, showed that "it’s business as usual." Yet as she goes on with the business of governance, she should prove, through the filing of charges against coup plotters, that the state of emergency is justified.

This is where the military, the PNP and government prosecutors must do their homework. Every so-called coup plotter, financier, or supporter must be identified, his or her link to the coup clearly traced, and proper charges filed. These steps should be taken soonest to quash the notions that Proclamation 1017 is an "overreaction" or a "de facto martial law."

Already there are questions about the duration and the legality of Proclamation 1017 not only from GMA’s critics but also from the Senate and the business sector. The Senate is concerned about allegedly illegal acts and excesses such as warrantless arrests and crackdowns on media entities. Business, on the other hand, wants things to stabilize soonest so they can concrete on income-generating activities.

Requests for a Temporary Restraining Order on Proclamation 1017 have been filed in the Supreme Court. The Court declined to issue the TRO until it has heard the arguments of all parties. The deadline for submission of arguments for and against the proclamation was set for the first week of March.

This is the proper forum for resolving the issue, one way or the other. It gives both parties – the executive branch and everybody who has an issue with the state of national emergency – a chance to defend their respective positions. With the judiciary as an impartial and credible arbitrator of this issue, its ruling should resolve with finality all doubts on the constitutionality of the proclamation.

Even as the tumult goes down and things seem to be going back to normal, the President’s opponents will predictably continue to paint her as an abuser of democratic rights. It has become incumbent on her to strike a balance between maintaining a sense of justice and respect for civil liberties, and demonstrating prudence and resolve in prosecuting the enemies of the state.

In a way, the duration of the state of emergency is dependent, not on the President, but on the people. If we would all be united in the effort to uphold peace and stability in our land, then it will not have to last a minute longer. It really is up to us if we will support violent, chaotic and illegal means to unseat a government. Choice is the very essence of democracy. Now is the best time to wield it.

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SULTAN Hadji Moh. Amir Blao Nandang bin Sultan Tambilawan Bayao II, Sultan of Rajah Buayan of Cotabato, Island of Mindanao Darrusalam, issued a statement of support to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo which he requested us to print in this column. His message is as follows: "On behalf of the Rahabuayan Sultanate, I strongly support the presidency of Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as the legitimate president of the Republic of the Philippines. The sovereignty of Rajahbuayan is behind you. Peace in Mindanao is almost achieved. We are near to peace, yet there are some groups which do not want to have peace in Mindanao. I am calling all the sectors of society to be calm, vigilant and not allow them to be used by politicians. Let us make this country one; let us unite together, for the better future of our young generations. We support the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for a strong Republic.

"Mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino!"

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My e-mail: [email protected]