Human rights lawyers to challenge ‘1959’ in SC

By Ampie Galpo/Annette Vergel

HUMAN rights lawyers will challenge before the Supreme Court the declaration of Martial Law in Maguindanao province, stressing that Proclamation 1959 is not only unconstitutional but also a violation of civil liberties.

Lawmakers said the decision of Arroyo to impose martial law in Maguindanao is overkill.

Lawyer Harry Roque, chairperson of Center for International Law, said Arroyo’s action was unconstitutional because the Constitution only allows the imposition of martial law if the country is facing rebellion or invasion, and not a crime that can be considered a mere “police matter.”

The group is expected to file today a petition with the SC questioning Arroyo’s declaration of martial law in Maguindanao where 57 civilians, including 30 journalists, were massacred allegedly by her allies – the Amputuans, - and their private armies.

Meanwhile, both Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., have questioned the Chief Executive’s declaration of Martial Law.

The younger Marcos said the people must keep watch over how the administration will use martial law. ”Baka Hello Garci na naman ang iniisip ni GMA at ng mga kandidato niya,” he said

Aquino also urged the public to be vigilant, saying “The people must demand an explanation of the circumstances that led the administration to resort to this action, how the President intends to use its vast powers, and for how long.”

The militant group Akbayan accused Arroyo of trying to save the necks of the Ampatuans as charges of rebellion would be filed against them.

Ronald Llamas, Akbayan president, said classifying the Ampatuans as rebels would possibly hamper the prosecution.

Llamas clarified that the Ampatuans are not rebels but longtime allies of Arroyo.

Malacañang, however, denied that the government is “elevating” the status of the Ampatuans by slapping them with rebellion charges.

Under government custody are clan patriarch Andal Ampatuan Sr. and his sons: Datu Unsay, Maguindanao Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan, acting Maguindanao Gov. Sajid Ampatuan and Shariff Aguak Mayor Anwar Ampatuan.