Former Senior Government Officials

10 December 2009 - The Former Senior Government Officials (FSGO) view the declaration of martial law in Maguindanao as an admission of failure by the Gloria Macapagal Arroyo administration in protecting the life and property of Filipino citizens through the exercise of its police powers.  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.

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.   
We are concerned that 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.

We are deeply concerned that the declaration of 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 declaration of martial law is the desperate move of an administration that has lost the trust of the Filipino people.  It is an administration that is unable to govern.  It is an administration that has lost its right to remain in power.

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.