Mrs. Arroyo has just lifted martial law in Maguindanao. But, don't rejoice yet. The dangers still lurk. We all know why they lifted Proclamation 1959---Mrs. Arroyo is not entirely sure if most Lakas-KAMPI-CMD members will vote for it come Tuesday, December 15 (Meldy Poblador, Malacanang's and Mrs. Arroyo's closest adviser failed to get a sizeable number of support last Thursday) and there is danger that the Supreme Court will rule against it.
Admit it--Proclamation 1959, as what PinoyObserver wrote in his entry today, is legally infirm. It stands on very shaky grounds.
If pushed comes to shove, Malacanang would have lost its face. Eduardo Ermita, the president's Executive secretary said they have achieved their objective and rightly so.
First, they got a mouthful from Congress. They now know when is the best time to declare martial rule--when there is ACTUAL rebellion. What prevents them from doing something, a farcical coup and then declare martial rule? Nothing. In fact, they know how to do it.
Second, they already know that both Congress and the Supreme Court are useless to prevent martial law, despite the "checks and balances" provided for by the Constitution. That anyone with this power can actually declare martial rule anytime and with just the minimum of reasons and they can actually implement it for at least a week.
Lastly, they now know that no military group would dare oppose them. This is very dangerous since not a whimper of opposition was heard from the uniformed services and civil society when Malacanang declared martial rule.
Fact is, this is not the last time we will hear martial law. This is only the first.
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