Jinggoy warns people of Palace plans to declare martial law

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada yesterday warned the people that the statement of Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. that they are ready to re-impose martial law, is a hint that the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Administration is planning to place the country under military rule amidst the growing public outcry against Malacañang.

He said that the increasing protests of citizens against the rampant corruption and scandals in the government could prompt the administration to declare martial law.

Esperon told the members of the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) forum at the Intercontinental Hotel in Makati last Thursday that the re-imposition of martial law will "come in handy" when there is a rebellion.

"It might still come in handy. In other words, it's for the national government to protect its citizens," Esperon said on the eve of the 35th anniversary of the declaration of martial law that former President Ferdinand Marcos made in Sept. 21, 1972. He said Esperon's pronouncement is very dangerous because the military is apparently preparing to place the country under military rule once Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declares martial law. "The controversies over the anomalous government contracts and the unexplained Hello Garci tapes scandal could again trigger more public outcry and protest actions against Mrs. Arroyo and force her to impose martial law," Estrada said.

He said the deployment of soldiers in depressed barangays in Metro Manila is allegedly part of the plot of the Arroyo Administration to spy on citizens and justify the declaration of martial rule. Estrada said the presence of soldiers in slum areas is apparently the start of the intelligence operations against militant groups and anti-administration forces. "Parang martial law na nga ngayon merong mga sundalo sa mga komunidad kahit wala namang labanan," Estrada said. He reminded Mrs. Arroyo that the declaration of martial law will only force the people to intensify the struggle against the corrupt officials of Malacañang and further alienate the administration from the people. "Suppressing the rights of the people will embolden the citizens to fight the abuses of the government," he added.