Sison's arrest won't not hurt economy, says Ilonggo solon
The series of rallies in the different parts of the country in protest for the arrest of self-exiled communist leader Jose Ma. Sison in The Netherlands will not hurt the country's economy.
Congressman Raul Gonzalez Jr. believe Sison is "not a popular figure in the country." His arrest will not trigger the entire Filipino nation to rally behind him, he said.
Last week, members of various militant organizations led by Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) rallied in front of the Dutch Embassy in Makati. They warned the government on the implications of Sison's arrest. The group claimed Sison's arrest was made possible through the collusion of the Philippine and Dutch governments.
Gonzalez stressed that "there is no underlying passion" in Sison's arrest compared in previous rallies against the government. It will not send a signal to the people to march and topple the government similar to EDSA 1 and EDSA 2.
He added the protesters will be in trouble should they violate the law especially the provisions under the Human Security Act. To protest is something else but they should not threaten the government as it will only manifest their admission of being members of terrorist groups, he said.
Gonzalez added peace and order in the country will not be affected because of the rallies launched by militant groups. He believes in the capabilities of all the law enforcement agencies, the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to take care of the country's peace and order.
Earlier, National Democratic Front chair Luis Jalandoni said Sison's arrest would lead to a total collapse of the peace process. Since 2004, there were stalled on-and-off talks to end the 39-year old insurgency. The NPA, which is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines continued to carry out attacks on government's security forces, communications and government installations.
Struggle of the people in cities and countryside will also be intensified. With Jalandoni's pronouncement, the PNP and the AFP have already drafted their plans on any retaliatory attacks from the government insurgents because of Sison's apprehension.
Gonzalez is confident that any move regarding the arrest of Sison before the House of Representative will not prosper. Members of Congress who will launch a signature campaign to rally behind Sison could not get majority of the house members' signatures. "It is a surprise if they can get 30 signatures," he said.