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[av_heading heading=’VIEWPOINTS | 1987 Constitution ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY OSCAR CRUZ
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Sunday, May 28, 2017
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“THE PRESIDENT shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Philippines and whenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion, or rebellion. In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, he may, for a period of not exceeding 60 days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law. Within 48 hours from the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, the President shall submit a report in person or in writing to the Congress. The Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at least a majority of all its Members in regular or special session, may revoke such proclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be set aside by the President. Upon the initiative of the President, the Congress may in the same manner, extend such proclamation or suspension for a period to be determined by the Congress, if the invasion or rebellion shall persist and public safety requires it.” (Article VII, Section 18)
Such is the compound and complex provision enunciated in the now existing and binding Philippine Constitution – more specifically in conjunction with the declaration of martial law in the country as a whole or any part thereof – like the region of Mindanao.
Sad to say and sorrowful to note, it is a rather well-known long-existing fact that while Mindanao is famous for its numerous amazing sights and pleasing sounds, the same region is likewise notable for long-time unrest in certain parts thereof on account of downright rebel groupings therein existing and operating which were then local in origin and spirit but which are now even joined by a well-known violent and mortal group with certain distinctly violent spirit plus mortal objective. As practically every Filipino knows, it is called ISIS – somehow identifiable with mortal weaponry and deadly spirit.
Recently, the rebel groups became more exacting and unforgiving, more wild and mortal such that the killings they do here and there have become as a matter of course.
Worse, it now appears that the difference in religion has even become a valid cause for them in killing others – the Catholics in particular. So it is that these days, it is not merely a matter of ideology but also an issue of religious belief that the said rebel groups take into serious and deadly consideration.
They have gone mortal not only in race but also on creed. It is now not enough that they capture innocent foreign tourist for a price in favor of their release. Otherwise, they were even beheaded. This is a distinct example of something already bad still going worst. When will this atrocity in Mindanao – that in fact goes to Central Luzon every now and then – end, if ever.
While the mere phrase and mention of martial law then brought anger and disgust when mentioned in the Philippines, it appears that this time, it has somehow become welcomed under distinct cruel and mortal events taking place in Mindanao and thus declared by the President acting according to the letter and spirit of an expressed and formal provision in the Philippine Constitution.
Would that the regional rebellion now taking place eventually end – the sooner, the better./PN
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