Arroyo getting ready to impose martial law?

Arroyo getting ready to impose martial law?

What do you think of this idea spies? Malapit ba sa katotohanan?

based on the article by Neal Cruz
PDI posted 03/04/2008

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More bad news: In her desperation to hang on to power, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo may declare martial law! A little bird, claiming inside information, told me this, asking me to expose it but not to reveal his identity. We can look at it two ways: I is genuine or it is a red herring.

My source said he wanted the information made public to preempt the government so that it would not push through with a declaration of martial law. On the other hand, it can be a deliberate leak to scare the people demanding Ms Arroyo’s resignation. If they don’t let up, she may declare martial law, with all that that has in store for the population. The leaders of all the opposition groups, including journalists critical of the administration, can be arrested and held without bail. (Remember what I wrote in this column last Monday—that “friends” of journalists, clandestinely working for the administration, are spreading false information in the guise of tips and inside information?) If these groups are scared enough, it is hoped they will slow down instead of going full speed ahead with efforts to force Ms Arroyo’s ouster.

However, opposition groups are not that easy to scare anymore. Martial law has a frightful connotation but we have learned during Ferdinand Marcos’ martial-law years that we can weather it as a nation. And that it is not so scary even for those who are detained. On the contrary, detention became a ticket to being appointed or elected to public office. Many former detainees who have no talent at all and would not have attracted any attention otherwise were appointed to the government by President Corazon Aquino. They later ran for elective positions, still capitalizing on their stay in detention camps. Being a former detainee became a badge of honor.

So you see, an imminent imposition of martial law will not scare many; they may even welcome it. Who knows, it may be their steppingstone to Congress or the Cabinet.

On the other hand, Ms Arroyo may really be planning it. You can never tell with her. There are those who think that, unlike in the days of Marcos when it was easy to declare martial law under the provisions of the old Constitution, it would be more difficult under the Cory Constitution which requires the concurrence of Congress within days after its declaration. They are wrong. Remember that Ms Arroyo controls the House of Representatives, the more numerous half of Congress. Therefore, it would not be that difficult to get the nod of Congress even if the Senate is predominantly opposition.

So, assuming Ms Arroyo declares martial law, have a number of opposition leaders and critics detained, imposes curfew and curtails our basic freedoms, what then? Wouldn’t that make Filipinos angrier? So angry that another people power may be a reality this time? There may even be some crazies who, taking a cue from the suicide bombers in Iraq and Israel, may make a try on the life of Ms Arroyo and her family. Is that worth that seat in Malacañang? If Ms Arroyo imposes martial law, she may just hold the tiger by the tail and she cannot let go without risk of being eaten.

On the other hand, there is an easier, safer, more honorable way. She can resign with honor and be regarded as “a statesman” just like President Richard Nixon during Watergate. Nixon was fully rehabilitated not long after and he was regarded as an elder statesman whose opinion on affairs of state was sought by succeeding administrations. After all, Ms Arroyo is already the second longest-serving president, after Marcos. What more does she want? Being president has not been a bed of roses for her anyway. It’s time to let go and have some peace and quiet at last.

Instead of sending her off with hatred as another dictator, Filipinos will see her off with affection if she steps down voluntarily. Resignation is not a fearful or dishonorable act. Many others have done it with their honor intact. What is dishonorable is to cling to your position when the people clearly do not want you there anymore. Ms Arroyo shouldn’t listen to subordinates, friends or family members who say otherwise because they would be out of jobs and influence when she is no longer in power. They are not thinking of her; they are thinking of themselves.

Madame President, think about it.
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