CBCP wary of rights violations, slip to Martial Law
Despite the assurance of Palace officials that Proclamation 1017 will not be abused nor used against innocent civilians, the Catholic Bishop's Conference of the Philippines has expressed concern over the clampdown on groups calling for the ouster of President Arroyo.
Nonetheless, Lagdameo said that the stand of the CBCP took July last year still stands, especially the option of stepping down by Arroyo. He also reiterated his call for calm, "so that we will not be going from one reaction to another."
"The proclamation of a State of Emergency may be subject to abuse in the hands of the lawgiver, and that is what we should be afraid of in the future," CBCP president and Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo said yesterday late afternoon before celebrating a mass for the Gawad Kalinga-Iloilo which he called 'rally for the love of God, rally for the poorest of the poor.' The mass was held at the Rotary Amphitheater, often the scene of anti-government protests.
At the same time, Lagdameo called on Mrs. Arroyo to consider revoking Proclamation 1017 at the soonest time possible, as he characterized the reaction of the latter as 'overkill.'
"That is why we pray that this State of Emergency be short live in order that it may not be a source of violation of human rights...I hope that this State of Emergency will be short-lived."
When asked if he suggests a deadline for the lifting of the State of Emergency, the bishop answered, "as short as possible."
Lagdameo echoed the statement of former President Ramos, a staunch ally of Mrs. Arroyo.
"I would like to share it because it casts a lot of fear on many civilians," he stressed.
At the same time, he aired concern that the situation will turn for the worse, particularly the declaration of a martial law similar to that during the time of former strongman Ferdinand Marcos.
"We should pray, pray earnestly, that the present situation will not result in Martial Law," Lagdameo appealed. "We should be watchful that it will not lead to Martial Law."
In his homily, Lagdameo told some 300 Catholic faithful to be not afraid of getting arrested for holding a rally.
We cannot be arrested for holding a rally. Be not afraid!" he said.
According to him, the number would have been greater had it not been for fear of getting arrested by the police.
However, City Police Director, Senior Superintendent Norlito Bautista told The News Today earlier that they will not disperse those who attended the gathering.