Press Release
July 24, 2009

Press statement of Senator Loren Legarda

ON TRANSITION GOVERNMENT

All the vital signs are there that the administration is planning something rotten and despicable to derail the 2010 elections for the purpose of prolonging the stay of those now in power. These vital signs have been detailed by former Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz in his speech before the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and by the national security adviser, Norberto Gonzales.

The people, who will be the biggest victims of an administration coup, should therefore be on full alert and should voice out in no uncertain terms that they object to this conspiracy to sabotage our democratic system. The political opposition should also prepare to unite to lead our people against any attempt to tamper with the constitution illegally for this nefarious purpose.

If President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is not a party to this conspiracy, she should speak out now and chastise her allies in no uncertain terms for sending out these signals of troubled times ahead.

ON HUMAN RIGHTS

Instead of making blanket denials about the sworn testimony of Melissa Roxas before the Human Rights Commission, military authorities should instead announce their intention to investigate thoroughly her claims. People tend to believe the testimony of Roxas because it appears to be full of details that cannot be concocted even by a fertile imagination.

Melissa deserves to be praised for her courage, not just in disclosing her abduction and torture openly, but for actively looking into the social conditions of our people for the purpose of alleviating them although she already lives in a safe environment thousands of miles away. She would not expose her life to peril if she were not nobly motivated.

The military and police authorities have made a solemn vow to protect the people and to defend their civil and political rights, as well as to defend them physically against abuses and threats. Let the military stand up to their oath.

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