Miriam Defensor Santiago on Rebellion and Martial Law Part 2 of 2

[joricofernandez]

Mirriam for President

[nanamouskouri66]

If the Arroyo government was strong enough to quash the coup attempt that it faced in 2004 by merely declaring a State of National Emergency, why is it too weak now as to declare Martial Law, for it to enforce law and order in Maguindanao, where a simple murder case of 50 people was committed? There is really something fishy going on here. Never underestimate the soft-spoken and humble Mrs. Arroyo. (Mas matalino si Miriam academically kesa kay Gloria, pero mas tuso si Gloria kesa kay Miriam!)

[nanamouskouri66]

Although it is now a moot and academic subject, Miriam was right in saying that the "gravamen" of Martial Law is armed rebellion -- an element which was present during the coup attempts against Arroyo, during which she should and could have declared Martial Law justifiably but chose not to do so. Armed rebellion was not present in Maguindano; it was a case of murder committed by Arroyo's political allies: the Ampatuans, who allegedly helped her rig and win the 2004 elections.

[nanamouskouri66]

Arroyo's quick imposition and lifting of Martial Law proved her political acumen once more. The Congress was not given a chance to smash it; nor was a petition raised to the Supreme Court on time to question its validity.