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Monday, February 27, 2006
Mayor hits emergency rule, allows rallies in city
By Ben O. Tesiorna
DAVAO CITY -- Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte still supports the presidency of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, but that is because he continues to stand solidly by the Constitution.
The support does not apply, however, to Arroyo's recent move to place the country under a state of national emergency.
In his weekly television program, Duterte said some provisions in Proclamation 1017, issued by the President on Friday last week, "somehow affected the democracy in our country" and this is not good.
He said he is strongly against the government's crackdown on protest rallies and media organizations.
"Setting of guidelines is censorship na (already), which should not be done. Dili gyud ko ana (I don't agree with that) because that would not be in consonance with our democracy. For me, the essence of democracy is the right to dissent. If your right to dissent is curtailed or prevented then that's bullshit, that's not democracy," the mayor added.
Duterte also criticized the setting of guidelines and standards for media outlets to follow so that government would not take over their operations.
The mayor said the declaration of a state of emergency "does not justify the suppression of the rights to freedom of speech and to peaceful assembly" of Filipinos.
"I support the President and I support the Constitution. But lately, there are some issues which I would like to be cleared by the National Government. We live in a democracy and it is our right to know," Duterte said.
Duterte assured Dabawenyos that what is happening now in Metro Manila would not happen in the city, especially on matters concerning protest rallies and the freedom of expression.
Rallies permitted
Duterte told militant groups in the city that the "no permit, no rally" policy is not being implemented in Davao ever since he became mayor and will remain so.
But he told militants to somehow "tone down" their sentiments so that they would not be charged with inciting to sedition by the National Government.
He added though that if a rally permit is really needed for legality's sake, then he is ready to issue one until such time that protesters themselves get tired of demonstrating on the streets.
"I will allow protests actions here for as long as they are not in furtherance of rebellion," Duterte said.
Media protected
Media organizations and companies based in the city need not worry as well of being taken over by the government since, Duterte assured, he would not allow this to happen.
Duterte said media play an important factor in society and should not be curtailed of their mandate to seek the truth.
"Do not be afraid, certainly you can write and expose abuses of the government," Duterte told journalists.
The mayor said his expression of dissent against some of the provisions of the declaration of a state of emergency by President Arroyo does not mean he is already siding with the opposition.
Duterte said he hopes that the President would not be offended by his stand, adding that he is merely protecting the rights of his constituents.
"My support is not total. It's not about going against the President, it's about democracy. It's a matter of principle. Dili mi ninyo mga bata-bata dinhi na musunod na lang basta-basta sa inyoha. Kung inyong ipugos ang inyong gusto dinhi sa amoa maayo pang magbuwag-buwag na lang ta (We are not your minions who will just bow to your every command. If you will impose your will on us, then it's best if we go our separate ways)," Duterte said.
He said he has yet to receive a copy of the proclamation from the Office of the President.
He said he was furnished a copy by House Majority Leader Prospero Nograles last Saturday only after he asked for one.
"Pero kadtong General Order No. 5 hangtud karon wala pa gyud ko'y kopya. Bisan ang mga military wala pud ko hatagi ug kopya. Kay ngano? Apil ba ko dinha sa inyong listahan (But I still do not have a copy of General Order 5 until now. Even the military, they have not given me a copy of the general order. I wonder why. Is it because I am in their black list?)," Duterte said. (Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)
(February 27, 2006 issue)
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