President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday lifted the state of national emergency saying the country's security situation is now back to normal a week after an attempt to overthrow government.

"We thank the good Lord who directs the destiny of our land for sparing us from the impending violence had Proclamation 1017 not been lifted," Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra said.

The controversial proclamation drew numerous protests, especially for its infringement on civil liberties and press freedom, but Negros mayors yesterday supported the President's move saying it was necessary to prevent a coup attempt.

Navarra said he believes "the president was aware of the disgust, the clamor and ire of the majority of Filipinos who understood the implications and grave threats PP1017 posed to us all."

A prayer rally for the nation scheduled for March 8 at the Bacolod public plaza is still on, the people still need to continue to be vigilant, the bishop said.

"Throughout this ordeal, I have been keenly aware of the anxiety that the state of emergency created within many segments of society. It was not an action I took lightly, but I felt to much was at stake to do anything less," Arroyo said yesterday over national television.

"I believe my actions strengthened and protected our civil liberties and free press, and maintained the economic gains we have fought so hard to secure," Arroyo added.

Arroyo had ordered the state of emergency on Feb. 24 citing a "tactical alliance" between right wing and communist forces to overthrow the government.

"A week later, I am happy to report that the cabal is broken and it is time to get back to the real business of governing. I am confident that order has been restored," said Arroyo, who issued Proclamation 1021 to lift the state of emergency.

"It is essential now that our political opponents and opportunists stop undermining our economy at home and embarrassing the nation abroad with their cheap political antics," she said.

"For the love of nation, it is time to make things work and get things done. Let us please all work for the common good," Arroyo said.

Arroyo in defending her decision to issue Proclamation 1017, said, "Our nation is stronger for dealing quickly and decisively with this issue."

AGAIN AND AGAIN

"I will not stand for this kind of adventurism at any time. And I will act with the same force of will and determination again and again if our opponents insist on inflicting instability on the nation and hurting our economy," she warned.

Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph Marañon yesterday said with the lifting of 1017 "we are now back to normal life."

"I am happy and very satisfied that the president lifted the state of national emergency so that life can return to normal and the media will have no more fears," he said.

"Inspite of 1017 the peso improved, I am optimistic the economy will move forward but I hope it trickles down to the level of the common man," Marañon said.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said "I hope that everything in the country will start to normalize and that this will mean a ceasefire for everyone. Let us get our acts together, we need to move the country forward."

Rep. Ignacio Arroyo (Neg. Occ., 5th district) said it was good Proclamation 1017 was finally lifted, "it was only implemented to address a national emergency and was never meant to be like martial law."

But Bacolod Councilor Lyndon Caña said "We still need to be vigilant and watchful . She (Arroyo) has become intolerant of criticism and she is capable of curtailing our liberties. With Cha-cha being vigorously pushed by her, but with corruption unattended, the people need to be more vigilant than ever."

SHE BLINKED FIRST

"She underestimated the Filipino people and she thought we could be cowed by an unconstitutional call for emergency powers. What is more important for us is that she blinked first, but we are still calling for her to resign," Rodolfo Parreño of the Negros Movement for Moral Regeneration said.

Manapla Mayor Manuel Escalante, president of the Negros Association of Chief Executives, said the majority of the mayors in Negros Occidental supported the proclamation of the President because they knew she had reason to do so.

I pray to God that she continues to be strong and does well for the nation, he said.

Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella said since the coup attempt has been quashed, which was really the main reason for 1017, I am happy it is over. "I hope the economy will continue going up, he said.

Rep. Tranquilino Carmona (Neg. occ.,1st district) and San Carlos Mayor Eugenio Lacson said the president has access to information not available to the public, which she uses as the basis for decisions she makes.

"At the time it (1017) was implemented I think it was very necessary," Lacson said, adding that he does not believe she would have abused the state of emergency.

Silay Mayor Carlo Gamban said he hopes the nation can now move forward so we can address our poverty problems and development needs.

VIGILANCE VS. ABUSES

Felipe Levy Gelle, Bayan Negros secretary general, said the people need to celebrate the lifting of Proclamation 1017 because their widespread protests forced Arroyo to do so. However, we must continue be vigilant against abuses, such as warrantless arrests, and continuing political persecution of critics and opposition leaders.

The Partido ng Manggagawa and Sanlakas in a press statement yesterday said Arroyo cannot claim victory over her decision to lift the state of emergency.

Proclamation 1017 has not solved the problems besetting her administration, principally the "Hello Garci scandal" that questions the legitimacy of her reign and has shaken the foundation of her regime, the two groups said.

SC WILL STILL HEAR
1017 PETITIONS

The Supreme Court will continue to hear the petitions challenging the constitutionality of Proclamation 1017 even if the president lifted the order, Assistant Court Administrator Ismael Khan, SC chief information officer, said yesterday.

All the seven petitions had been consolidated and was being prepared for the oral arguments on Tuesday at 1 p.m., he added. "But whether they will have a full-blown ruling or declare it moot and academic, we do not know how the court will look at it. It is difficult to speculate," Khan said.*CPG

back to top