Press Release
July 9, 2009

STATEMENT OF SENATOR AQUILINO Q. PIMENTEL, JR.
On government's response to the spate of bombings

It is obvious that the response of government is very weak and utterly unconvincing. Of course, we do not expect solutions overnight, but what is important is the government must send the message that it is on top of the situation. It is running after the culprits and soon there will be people behind the bar because they are running after the bombers without any respite.

And to say that the bombings will come to Manila, that is an alarmist statement. That should not even come from responsible government authorities.

(Bombings connected to President's SONA) - Probably so, although I do not think that the SONA is that important. I think that just like the implant, we are making a mountain out of a molehill.

For government to say we are monitoring (the bombings), that is a very unconvincing and unresponsive kind of statement. It is important that they be a little more forthright - assuring rather than engaging in very vague terminology that only adds to the situation of instability that is now obtaining in the country.

(Necessity of convening the National Security Council) May be that could be a move. If the NSC is better run, that may be worth it. But I am not to sure that the meeting of the NSC will add to the enlightenment of the people and the security of the republic.

Apparently there is some kind of an effort ... This is not a secret... (National Security Adviser) Bert Gonzales has come up with an idea of a transition government. It has been publicized. Bert Gonzales should know that a transition government cannot be done by a decree or the wishes of the President. It has to be constitutional amendment.

(If Malacañang is thinking of a state of emergency due to spate of bombings, should it be nationwide or limited to Mindanao?) A state of emergency can be declared to meet a specific threat in a specific location. It need not be nationwide.

(Should it include Metro Manila?) I would think that might not be constitutionally defensible. There has to be actual threat before an emergency on the part of government - not only actual but probably a consummated act of violence that shows a pattern that threatens the lives of people. That will probably be the only justification for a suspension, for example, of the civil liberties we are enjoying.

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