Cantiller: Martial law baseless and unnecessary
ROXAS CITY – Board Member Baden Cantiller said that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s declaration of Martial law in Maguindanao is baseless and unnecessary.
Cantiller made the statement during his privileged speech yesterday at the Sannguniang Panlalawigan (SP) regular session.
Cantiller said, the villainous slaughter of over sixty lives has been regarded as a stab to the heart of the Philippine democracy. “But to declare a Martial law and suspend the writ of Habeas Corpus to solve the problem of state-sponsored warlordism and violence in Maguindanao is significantly baseless and unnecessary,” he added.
Cantiller said that Section 18, Article VII of the Philippine Constitution is very clear — Martial Law can only be declared in cases of rebellion or invasion and only when public safety demands it. But, he said, there is absence of rebellion and invasion in Maguindanao.
Cantiller also said that the Martial law pronouncement in Maguindanao is ominous and dangerous. This can undermine the conduct of the May 2010 elections and will ultimately benefit Arroyo’s cling to power beyond 2010, he said.
“Further, if Arroyo can declare a martial rule without a constitutional basis in Maguindanao, what more can she do before election, knowing her propensity for abuse of power, ranging from massive cheating in the previous elections, plunder, and countless cases of human rights violations,” Cantiller added.
The board member also said that the Maguindanao massacre is a manifestation of eroding governance and a reflection of how the culture of impunity and warlordism is nurtured by the present administration.
Cantiller believes Maguindanao deserves the full force of law, not martial law and he demands on the government to lift the said measures and restore civilians institutions and respect of human rights.
