Rise: The Spirit of Martial law

The President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo issued PD1959, declaring martial law on the province of Maguindanao. 

The said decree cited the following grounds to wit:

Whereas, Sec. 18 Art. VII of the Constitution provides that “in case of invasion or rebellion, when public safety requires it, the President may, for a period not exceeding 60 days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law."

Whereas, Republic Act 6986 provides that “the crime of rebellion or insurrection is committed by rising publicly and taking arms against the government for the purpose of depriving the Chief Executive or the Legislature, wholly or partially, of any of their powers or
prerogatives."

Whereas, heavily armed groups in the province of Maguindanao have established positions to resist government troops thereby depriving the Executive of its powers and prerogatives to enforce the laws of the land to maintain public order and safety.

 In the December 6 Mass in Sto. Rosario, the auxiliary Bishop of Cebu Julitio B. Cortes mentioned how the declaration of martial law would strike fear into the hearts of the citizens.  Saying a mistake can not be corrected by another mistake.

The legeslative department is split regarding the matter, Congress seems to support the action whereas Senate condemned the act asking "where is the rebellion and insurrection?"

One thing is certain, the Filipino people are in doubt and in fear.  With great trepidation, we await the Executive Departments constitutional task of reporting after the declaration of Martial law. 

Abagan ang susunod na kabanata....