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Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Editorial: Insulating the military
THE continuing series of military misadventures aimed at the overthrow of whoever sits on the throne in Malacañang Palace since the Marcos dictatorship was ended by the 1986 People Power revolution has been a dirty joke foisted on this country of more than 80 million suffering Filipinos.
In declaring the other day that no amnesty will be forthcoming for "habitual delinquents", the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has finally realized that there is no place in the organization for such recalcitrants who indulge in purely political activities far removed from what they have been taught in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and other military training schools.
A military organization worthy of its name is not run the way a civil government is run in a democracy. The military has its own rules and regulations that are strictly observed in order to preserve the sanctity of the chain of command without which the organization cannot long endure. In short, a military organization is a form of dictatorship that brooks no insubordination. Observance of rigid discipline is necessary. Often had we heard that familiar admonition during our ROTC days: "Right or wrong, Yes Sir!"
As long as the chain of command is strictly observed there can be no mutiny within the military. The AFP's reason for being the defense of the country from external aggression and the preservation of the National Government's power and authority against acts that tend to undermine them.
The only political activity that members of the military may indulge in is to cast their votes during elections and help ensure, if called upon, to keep the peace during the electoral exercise.
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Face the music
THE Batasan 5 made up of Party-List Representatives Satur Ocampo, Teddy Casiño, Liza Masa, Rafael Mariano and Joel Virador who have holed up in the House of Representatives for fear of being arrested for the charge of rebellion will have to face the music sooner than they think.
If they believe that they are innocent of the charge, why should they be afraid of being arrested? Let the chips fall where they may and let the law takes its course. If they have the courage of their conviction (pun not intended), let them be "heroes in the strife" if we may be allowed to recall a line in poetry.
But if, (we said "IF"), they are guilty of rebellion, their stint as Housemates will be short-lived, and the Pinay Big Sister will have her way.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (March 14, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
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