Opinion: Alarming Peace and Order Situation in PH Today Kind of Similar to 1972 When Marcos Sr. Declared Martial Law; According to Enrile, More Difficult to Declare Martial Law Under Current Constitution By Manuel L. Caballero

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ON MY WATCH

By MANUEL L. CABALLERO

ALARMING PEACE AND ORDER SITUATION IN PH TODAY KIND OF SIMILAR TO 1972 WHEN MARCOS SR. DECLARED MARTIAL LAW;  ACCORDING TO ENRILE, MORE DIFFICULT TO DECLARE MARTIAL LAW  UNDER CURRENT CONSTITUTION

The peace and order situation in the native country is alarming. According to a news item in PhilStar  last week, there is a spate of killings around the country. The latest victim was the governor of Negros Oriental who was murdered in his own home. Most of the victims are public officials.

A survey reportedly revealed that 60% of the PH population fear that their house might be robbed  anytime in the near future.

Another survey revealed that 50% of the people are afraid to go out at night.

The senators in Congress passed a Resolution demanding that PNP should do something to stop the killings. Because those who are being killed nowadays are politicians. Maybe, they are fearful that the killings might reach the halls of Congress. During the Duterte days, those killed were poor people. So, walang pakialam ang mga senador at congressmen. Mabuti pa ang ICC at nakialam. (It's a good thing ICC did something).

Marcos Sr.'s Defense Sec. Juan Ponce Enrile, who is now Pres. Bongbong Marcos, Jr .'s Chief Legal Counsel, made an interesting statement recently. He said under the present Constitution, it is difficult to declare Martial Law. Is it one reason why they want to amend? To make it easier for BBM to declare martial rule? It maybe recalled that Enrile allegedly staged a fake assassination attempt on himself on Sept. 22, 1977 in order to justify the declaration of martial law by Marcos Sr. three days later.

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Even during the last time Congress attempted but failed to amend, the distinguished former PH Supreme Court Chief Justice and former PH Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Hilario Davide, Jr., made a stand against plans to amend or revise the PH Constitution.  

Like this writer, he was against amending or revising any part of the 1987 PH Constitution.

Here was what he said:

“There is absolutely no need to amend or revise our Constitution, it has remained unamended for nearly 31 years.” 

“This is the only Constitution which is pro-God, pro-Filipino, pro-people, pro-life, pro-family, pro-marriage, pro-poor, pro-human rights, pro-environment, among others.”

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