Senate President Manny Villar has filed Senate Resolution No. 227 urging the Senate to immediately look into the Nov. 29 standoff in Makati , particularly the arrest of media men, the imposition of curfew, and accompanying issues, a press release from his office said yesterday.

In his resolution, Villar said, "The occurrence in the Manila Peninsula will claim no victor, as it is a manifestation of the people's yearning for change and reform, and in fact, should serve as a wake-up call for true government by and for the citizens."

He added that the totality of the Manila Peninsula occurrence and its accompanying issues must be reviewed and assessed to serve as lamppost in what jurisprudence may call as "teaching function," - to provide lessons in governance, to ferret out the truth, and advance reforms in accordance with constitutional and peaceful methods.

While stressing that he strongly disagrees with the "means employed" by the siege perpetrators, Villar said "the grievances are legitimate and must be addressed by the government," the press release said.

He said he condemns the illegal arrest of media people and the imposition of curfew which infringe on the basic human rights of our citizens. "The unreasonable and rough treatment accorded to the media violates their rights with impunity and makes a mockery of our democracy," he added.

Villar, Nacionalista Party president, also said the Senate will always put a premium on human rights and will always oppose the administration's attempts at curtailing civil liberties, the press release added.*

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