Two Negros Occidental congressmen yesterday said they are in favor of President Gloria Arroyo’s declaration of martial law in Maguindanao, while five others said they will listen to the reasons for it before taking a stand.

Negros Occidental Gov. Isidro Zayco yesterday said he is not in favor of the declaration of martial law in Maguindanao because of the country’s bad experience with martial law under Ferdinand Marcos.

But Zayco said except for what he has read in the newspapers, he is not aware of all the reasons for the move by the president.

Arroyo declared martial law in Maguindanao province late Friday to quell what the government said was a rebellion led by the Ampatuans, a powerful Muslim clan whose members have been accused of masterminding the massacre of 57 on November 23.

Congress will hold a joint session tomorrow to approve or revoke martial law in Maguindanao, Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile said yesterday.

"The action of Congress now is (to decide) whether to reject it, if we are not convinced. Or if we are convinced, to allow it to last for 60 days as mandated by the constitution," he said.

“As long as it is only for Maguindanao, I will go for it to save more lives or else vengeance with a threat of rebellion may prevail over the area and more lives will be lost, more blood will flow. It is better to be forewarned although a state of emergency would probably suffice, too,” Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella said.

“Anyway we will know more details before we cast our votes,” he added.

Rep. Arroyo said the declaration of martial law in Maguindanao is good so all the illegal firearms in the hands of private individuals can be seized and peace can be restored to the area.

He said the declaration of martial law in Maguindanao, is an isolated case, contrary to fears of some and it shows political will on the part of the president.

Rep.Jose Carlos “Kako” Lacson (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) said he is inclined to support the declaration of martial law because there seems to be an apparent lawlessness in Maguindanao with the judiciary reportedly not functioning.

Lacson said will listen to the executive department’s explanation on why it declared martial law in Maguindanao, and if it is necessary he hopes that it will be implemented only for a short period of time.

Rep. Julio Ledesma IV (Neg. Occ., 1st District) said he is meeting with leaders in his district, the church and the army chief of staff so he can make a proper decision on the matter.

Rep. Alfredo Marañon III (Neg. Occ., 2nd District) said “I have to listen to the arguments of both sides before I make a decision.”

Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer (Neg. Occ., 4ty District) said his decision will depend on the discussions at a congressional caucus before the vote on the declaration of martial law.

Rep. Genaro Alvarez (Neg. Occ., 5th District) said his decision will depend on his party’s stand.*CPG

back to top