ADDRESSING THE REAL EMERGENCY

Senator Richard J. Gordon declared today that the alleged situation calling for a state of emergency or the seeming threat of a coup d’etat has long been over yesterday early morning when the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) apprehended the suspected coup plotters and announced that they are in full control of the situation and remain loyal to the chain of command. There was, therefore, no need for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to issue Proclamation No. 1017 subsequently.

“There is, however, a real emergency that needs to be addressed. This emergency is in Southern Leyte, where a massive landslide buried over a thousand people who have yet to be recovered and where people continue to face the imminent danger of being swallowed by the mountain in the muddy morass,” said Gordon.

Gordon spent the whole day yesterday at Southern Leyte to inspect the evacuation centers and possible resettlement areas for the victims of the Leyte landslide as Chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross.

Proclamation No. 1017 only breeds fear and anxiety among the people: ordinary citizens, businessmen, and the media, according to Gordon. It is ominous, almost threatening. Most law enforcers and majority of the general public have, in fact, taken its implementation to mean a carte blanche, equivalent to martial law. “At this point in time, it is imperative to calm the fears of the people. But instead of assuring the public, Proclamation No. 1017 divides the people and hardens the positions of pro and anti-Administration groups,” said Gordon. He thus pleaded for national unity.

“We need to focus our efforts to unite the nation, especially on this special occasion of the 20th Anniversary of People Power 1. This historic event was once a proud experience for the nation that truly uplifted the Filipinos and inspired the whole world. Let us take this opportunity to unite the people for the sake of democracy and the common good,” declared Gordon.

“To preserve democracy, it is important for the AFP to stay away from partisan political activity,” added Gordon. “Civilian authority must also be supreme over the military at all times.”

Meanwhile, Gordon advised that if the people want the President out of office and she refuses to resign, then she should be removed from office by impeachment according to the Constitution, emphasizing the importance of the rule of law.