OZAMIZ CITY—Misamis Occidental governor Loreto Leo Ocampos is not in favor over President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s declaration of Martial Law in the province of Maguindanao.
Ocampos said that martial law was unnecessary and only hints of weak law enforcement and the inability to quell lawlessness in Maguindanao.
“Dili na kinahanglan ang Martial law basta ipatuman lang gyud sa atong kapolisan ug kasundalohan ang balaod,” Ocampos added.
The former Arroyo’s ally also said the only solution of the peace and order situation is to implement the law and not imposing the military rule in the province.
Section 18 Article VII of the Constitution states that, “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.”
The law also empowers Congress to revoke the declaration by a vote of majority of all its members.
In a press release, opposition Sen. Francis Escudero said the imposition of martial law in Maguindanao is legally defective and expressed concern that it could be a prelude to dictatorial rule.
“I hope this is not the case of Maguindanao today, the Philippines tomorrow,” he said.
The opposition senator pointed out that 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 the extreme option of declaring martial law.
“These are not obviously present in Maguindanao,” he said.
“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.”
Escudero added that he does not remember any time in his life when a military commander was asked to take over a civilian elective position.
He also pointed out that former President Estrada did not have to impose martial law when he launched an all-out war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 2000.
Ocampos said that martial law was unnecessary and only hints of weak law enforcement and the inability to quell lawlessness in Maguindanao.
“Dili na kinahanglan ang Martial law basta ipatuman lang gyud sa atong kapolisan ug kasundalohan ang balaod,” Ocampos added.
The former Arroyo’s ally also said the only solution of the peace and order situation is to implement the law and not imposing the military rule in the province.
Section 18 Article VII of the Constitution states that, “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.”
The law also empowers Congress to revoke the declaration by a vote of majority of all its members.
In a press release, opposition Sen. Francis Escudero said the imposition of martial law in Maguindanao is legally defective and expressed concern that it could be a prelude to dictatorial rule.
“I hope this is not the case of Maguindanao today, the Philippines tomorrow,” he said.
The opposition senator pointed out that 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 the extreme option of declaring martial law.
“These are not obviously present in Maguindanao,” he said.
“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.”
Escudero added that he does not remember any time in his life when a military commander was asked to take over a civilian elective position.
He also pointed out that former President Estrada did not have to impose martial law when he launched an all-out war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 2000.
5 comments:
The excesses of martial law would silence the Ampatuans from telling the truth about the past elections.
how about asking ocampos if he received cash in malacanang. remember the cash giving to legislators and governors in malacanang, ocampos is one of them. he received that cash.
That's good idea. We also include Hermie Ramiro and Clarete.
how about aldong.What he have done to Ozamiz casual and regular employee are the receiving their salary regularly...what happen to the OZamiz Cotta basketball team? how about the public mall? What we need right now is transparency!
Ozamiz? It's more than a fiscal mismanagement.As of now transparency is a dream. It can only happen if we change the leadership.
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