Martial Law 2017 versus that of 1972
Those who spontaneously oppose and audaciously criticize the proclamation of Martial Law in Mindanao without even thinking are proceeding from the wrong premise; that this is the same kind of Martial Law that was proclaimed by then president Ferdinand Marcos on September 21, 1972. They are dead wrong. President Rodrigo Duterte's Martial Law is based on an entirely different framework outlined in the fundamental law of the land. Marcos was practically unrestrained by any legislative interference. In fact, he abolished the Senate and the House of Representatives. Marcos was unrestrained by the Supreme Court whose justices were almost all his UP Law classmates. Today, Duterte is being checked and balanced by both Congress and the High Court.
Marcos proclaimed Martial Law based only on the heightening of the activism and the bombing at Plaza Miranda. Today, there is an actual invasion and a rebellion staged by a lawless insurgent group that seeks to snatch power and place a portion of the national territory under the control and domination of a foreign ideology. We need a strong and decisive government with the firm leadership of Duterte. It is not good for the Liberal Party and other radical groups to undermine his credibility in the fight against the Maute terrorists. These lawful elements have killed many of our officers and men, terrorized Marawi City, captured a hospital, and sowed fear and terror in Lanao.
In 1972, Marcos arrested Ninoy Aquino, senators Tañada, Diokno, Rodrigo, and many other political leaders. Today senators Drilon, Pangilinan, and Aquino are making statements that belittle the facts that gave rise to the declaration by Duterte. Such characters as Congressman Edcel Lagman and former Comelec chairwoman Christian Monsod have given interviews that questioned the rationale of Martial Law in Mindanao. These people are ivory tower commentators who are ignorant of what are really happening on the ground. They unwittingly give aid and comfort to the enemies of the state. They should either get their facts straight or keep their mouth shut.
It is easy to criticize when you are not the one leading a nation of 110 million people. It is easy to undermine Duterte who acts with firmness and decisiveness. GMA declared Martial law in Mindanao twice during her time. PNoy was a softie who allowed our police officers to be massacred in Mamasapano. Erap called for all-out war. FVR did not declare Martial Law but his leadership was uncompromising. Leaders have to decide, and we need to give them the privilege of positive doubt. Activists, ideologues and leftists in the Church who are quick to find fault in the government should join the Maute and count themselves as enemies of the state. They should not enjoy the peace and order being protected by Duterte. They cannot have their cake and eat it too. They should choose: are they with us or against us?
I don't know about you. As for me and my house, we support any and all acts designed to suppress rebellion, invasion, treason, and insurrection. There is no middle ground. No ifs, ands, or buts.
- Latest
