12/12/2009 | 05:03 PMOriginal Story: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/179195/lifting-of-martial-law-confirms-bogus-rebellion-claims-arroyo-critics
Critics of the Arroyo administration said the lifting of martial law in Maguindanao has long been overdue since rebellion in the province –one of the main reasons for imposing military rule there– was just a “bogus" claim by the government.
Senator Francis Pangilinan said that the longer that Maguindanao remains under martial rule, the harder it would be for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to justify and prove the existence of rebellion.
“The rebellion existed only in their minds," Pangilinan told GMANews.TV Saturday afternoon. “It is a bogus rebellion and a bogus proclamation that should not have been declared in the first place."
Pre-empting Congress
Echoing Pangilinan’s statement, Rep. Lorenzo “Erin" Tañada, spokesperson of the opposition Liberal Party said that Arroyo only pre-empted the actions of Congress, both chambers of which will meet on Tuesday to vote on whether or not to lift Proclamation 1959.
“I hope the Supreme Court continues with its hearings and comes out with a decision whether Proclamation 1959 is legal and constitutional or not," he said.
According to Pangilinan, however, the joint session will most likely be adjourned on the grounds that the issue has become moot and academic.
For his part, Senate minority leader Aquilino Pimentel said that he would like to continue the session so that the President can tell them directly that martial law has indeed been lifted.
“Gusto ko sana ipagpatuloy para formal na i-report sa amin ng Pangulo na tapos na ang martial law(I want it to continue so that the President can formally report to us that martial law has ended)," he addded. - Amita Legaspi and Johanna Camille Sisante / JHU,TJD, GMANews.TV
Original Story: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/179195/lifting-of-martial-law-confirms-bogus-rebellion-claims-arroyo-critics
No comments:
Post a Comment