NEVER AGAIN TO MARTIAL LAW!

Filipino-Australians Condemns Declaration of Philippines State of Emergency, Calls on Arroyo to Immediately Step Down The President of the Philippines Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has recently issued Proclamation 1017, a declaration of State of Emergency made on 24 Feb 2006. It was the eve of the 20th anniversary of the People Power 1 Edsa uprising. This proclamation, gave Arroyo the power to prohibit peaceful assemblies, revoke rally permits, order warrantless arrests, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, take over media and public utilities and superimpose military officers on civilian authorities. This is an unconstitutional move to reimpose the much hated martial law under the banner of a state of emergency. Following this declaration, several warrantless arrests of opposition figures have already been made including the arrest of parliamentarians Crispin Beltran and Joel Virador. Warrants have also been issued for the arrest of 51 dissenters coming from the military, progressive NGO’s and leaders of people’s organisation including parliamentarians Satur Ocampo, Teddy Casino and Lisa Masa. Peaceful rallies are violently dispersed and the media is now prohibited from covering the unrest and interviewing opposition figures. The government will now have the power to take over and shut down media establishments. The Daily Tribune, publisher of daily newspaper was already raided and by the Philippine National Police who are stationed inside and outside the building until today. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo resorts to all unconstitutional means to remain in power amidst claims of election fraud, coup plots, corruption and human rights violations against her government. We are calling on all Australians to oppose the restoration of martial law and the suppression of civil liberties in the Philippines. We are calling on Prime Minister John Howard to withdraw his support to this illegitimate government We are calling on Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to immediately step down and give way to a people’s transition council that will decide on fresh elections in 2007. Philippines Caucus for Peace Migrante Melbourne Gabriela Australia Philippine Australian Youth for Action Group 3 March 2005

03 Mar 2006

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