Former Senior Government Officials

posted on www.abs-cbnnews.com at 12/10/2009 12:41 PM

Not convinced that there is actual rebellion in Maguindanao to justify Martial Law, the Former Senior Government Officials (FSGO) on Thursday warned that Malacanang's agenda may be to control an area known to deliver the votes ahead of the 2010 elections.

In a statement, the FSGO said the declaration of Martial Law allows the Arroyo administration "to control an area known to deliver the votes during elections at a time when the country is approaching elections that are so critical to the country’s rise from corruption and despair."

In the 2004 and the 2007 elections, Maguindanao became controversial for delivering sweep votes to administration candidates. In 2004, President Arroyo won overwhelmingly in the province. Her rival, the late Fernando Poe Jr., curiously got zero votes in certain municipalities. The same happened 2007, when the province delivered the 12-0 sweep for the administration's Team Unity bets. At least 19 candidates received zero votes.

Martial Law nationwide?

But the bigger fear is Martial Law in Maguindanao may be "a pilot test for martial law in other parts of the country and eventually for the whole Philippines," the statement said.

FSGO echoed critics of Proclamation No. 1959 on the absence of actual rebellion as required by the Constitution to declare Martial Law. Rebellion charges may also provide the Ampatuans legal escape in the massacre of 57 people--including 30 journalists.

"It was murder in Mindanao, not rebellion.  Being staunch allies of the Arroyo administration, it is incredible for the Maguindanao leaders to go against that administration," the statement said.

"We are concerned that under the declaration of martial law, the national government may take actions against the perpetrators of the Maguindano massacre, that may be successfully challenged in the Supreme Court and allow the murderers to go scot free on legal technicalities.  While seemingly answering the public clamor for justice for the victims, the Arroyo administration may be laying the foundation for justice to be denied," the statement added.

The group of former Cabinet officials serving as far back as administration of President Arroyo's father, Diosdado Macapagal, also reiterated calls for President Arroyo to resign.

"Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is herself running in the elections, should now resign so that her successor may lift the declaration of martial law, restore peace and order using the police powers and preside over clean and honest elections in May 2010," the FSGO said in the statement Out with Martial Law, Out with GMA.