Capiz SP urges Congress to revoke Martial Law
ROXAS CITY – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) in its regular session yesterday has approved a resolution calling on Congress to revoke Presidential Proclamation No. 1959 “proclaiming a state of martial law and suspending the privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus in the province of Maguindanao.”
The august body also approved another resolution strongly condemning the November 23, 2009 Maguindanao massacre and the virtual of impunity of the perpetrators.
The twin resolutions were authored by Board Member Esteban “Nonoy” Contreras which were approved by members of the august body almost unanimously except the resolution which intend to revoke the martial law in which Board Member Gilbert Ardivilla voted “no”.
According to Contreras, 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 part thereof under martial law.”
“Whereas, in issuing Proclamation No. 1959, President Arroyo claimed that heavily armed groups in the province of Maguindanao have established positions to resist government troops thereby depriving the executive of its power and prerogatives to enforce the laws of the land to maintain public order and safety,” the resolution said.
Contreras also said that the august body recognizes and is in strong indignation to the ferocity and barbarism in the November 23, 2009 Maguindanao massacre, wherein 57 people including journalists were killed.
He also said that the SP also likewise recognizes the principle that the end does not justify the means and that the rule of law shall at all times be upheld.
“Whereas, the Maguindanao massacre was so gruesome that it deserves the strongest outcry for justice to the victim’s families.”
