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Monday, February 27, 2006
Nalzaro: State of paranoia
By Bobby Nalzaro
CONSTITUTIONAL and legal experts have different interpretations on the declaration of President Arroyo that placed the country under a state of emergency. Some justified the President’s move, saying it is a pre-emptive measure of a possible outbreak of violence because of the reported coup attempt. But others claimed it was overkill, adding that it was not necessary given the present political situation.
Well, we will leave the proclamation’s legality to the Supreme Court. I understand some human rights groups will file a petition today before the High Tribunal, questioning the constitutionality of the declaration. But what I would like to dwell on is the necessity of Proclamation 1017. Was it necessary under the circumstances? For me, it was not. The country is not facing a clear and present danger.
What we heard from the military is that elements within the armed forces were planning to withdraw their support from Arroyo’s administration. And that the leftist and rightist groups, including the opposition, were joining forces to overthrow the government.
Remember there were no troop movements and an actual coup d’etat prior to the declaration. Former president Corazon Aquino, who survived several coup attempts, never declared a state of emergency. Street demonstrators are fixtures in the country’s political geography. Did they pose a threat to the government? No.
They say the state of emergency is a “milder” version of Martial Law. I agree. Some of our rights are now being curtailed and the government has already imposed some restrictions to our actions. The government now has the power to take over private installations, including mass media, under the guise of national interest and security. Look at the repercussions of the proclamation? Our rights to peaceful assembly and our rights to air our grievances against the government are now suppressed.
This administration no longer allows rallies and demonstrations. In fact, some of the known leaders in the militant and radical groups have been arrested for no apparent reason. The media profession is being threatened as the government vowed to close down media entities, which enemies of the state are allegedly using. The freedom of expression and of the press is now being curtailed.
What’s happening to this administration? It’s being paranoid.
(bgnalzaro@gmanetwork.com)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (February 27, 2006 issue)
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