Commentary: PP 1017 counter acts of plotters

By Aurora J. Casimpan

Tacloban City (1 March) -- The importance of Presidential Proclamation No. 1017 cannot be overemphasized.

The ebb, and finally the restoration of normalcy was the aftermath of the proclamation order. It might be recalled that PP No. 1017 was declared by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo over threats of allied forces of the extreme left and ultra right groups to wrest the Presidency and topple the government.

Implementing the order was the force which countered the acts of destabilization being wrought upon by the extremist groups.

The act of the Supreme Court negating the Temporary Restraining Order against 1017 bespoke of the importance of the proclamation order. Though Supreme Court Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban said that while the high tribunal would prioritize the hearing of the petitions filed against the constitutionality of the proclamation order they would not be railroaded into issuing a temporary restraining order.

Considering the importance of the case since it involves basic human rights contained in the Bill of Rights gives the hearings a sense of urgency. But still all sides need to be considered and so giving the respondents time to submit a comment within a prescribed time had to be imposed.

Malacañang has expressed appreciation on the forbearance of the High Court relative to PP1017 and has assured full compliance of the executive to any decision of the court.

Meanwhile, the President in close consultation with economic and security advisers is weighing her options relative to the proclamation order in relation to public interest. Whatever the President will decide is anchored on facts and the vital factors impinging on the domestic and international millieu. The lifting of the PP1017 is dependent on the considered view that threat to the Republic has been contained.

Meantime, the state of emergency is not a forerunner of the declaration of martial law. The specter of a creeping martial law is purely a product of a creative thinker who loves spinning stories. (PIA-8)

Reposted with permission from the Philippine Information Agency