2006 state of emergency in the Philippines
Encyclopedia
The Philippines
was under a state of emergency
, announced by presidential spokesperson Ignacio Bunye
on the morning of February 24, 2006, by the virtue of Proclamation No. 1017. This occurred after the government
claimed that it foiled an alleged coup d'état
attempt against the administration of Philippine President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
earlier that same day. The Philippine
government security service also claimed that it had arrested a general who was involved in the coup attempt. The president lifted the state of emergency on March 3, 2006 by the virtue of Proclamation No. 1021.
The state of national emergency also led to a temporary suspension of lower-level education classes and an immediate revocation on all licenses and permits to hold demonstration
s and protest
s. The Arroyo administration, informally known as Malacañang, after the presidential palace, also suspended all public activities on the same day and even on succeeding days. Under the provisions in the constitution of the Philippines
, at the moment, the government is allowed to detain anyone indefinitely without the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus
.
President Arroyo assures that the situation was under control and the state of emergency would not be abused.
Arroyo
had justified her declaration of a state of emergency with her statement of "clear and present danger to our republic that we have discovered and thwarted." Critics claim that this is an attempt by Arroyo to seize political power
due to her sagging influence and popularity, and some draw similarities to the actions of deposed Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos
when he declared martial law
in 1972.
On March 3, 2006 (one week after the proclamation), by the virtue of Proclamation No. 1021, the President called off the state of emergency.
where President Arroyo, certain members of her cabinet
, and the military
were charged with corruption
and the Hello Garci scandal
, where in 2004, Arroyo and certain election officials were charged with electoral fraud
in the 2004 presidential elections.
This also comes after Executive Order No. 464, where the President forbade government officials under the Executive branch
to attend Filipino Congressional
hearings, and the Calibrated Pre-Emptive Response, where street protests were disallowed without securing a rally permit.
This has led to a drop at the president's popularity ratings from +28% right after EDSA II to -30% by December 2005.
at Taguig City
. Then, at 2:00 a.m., several more vehicles were seen entering Camp Aguinaldo
at the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue
. Brigadier General
Danilo D. Lim of the Scout Rangers
was put under the custody of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
.
Former President Joseph Estrada
was awoken by the police around 3:00 a.m. in San Juan Medical Center because he was ordered return to his resthouse in Tanay, Rizal
. He did not follow the request of the police, because it has no authority from the Sandiganbayan (the court which is trying his case). He said that "Magkakamatayan kami" (over my dead body). His eye operation succeeded despite the political unrest within Metro Manila
.
Hours later, large demonstration
s were held at EDSA Shrine, the site of the first People Power movement in 1986. The Presidential Malacañang Palace
has been heavily guarded since a lacquer
thinner
bomb
exploded
outside of the building on Thursday, February 23. The coup is part of a plot codenamed "Oplan HACKLE
."
Arroyo claimed that the coup was a plan between right-wing factions in the military and leftist anarchists, a highly questionable claim since it has been pointed out that both sides have fought each other in the past, and would make unlikely allies.
By mid-morning, President Arroyo
had declared a moratorium
on all school activities
from elementary
to college
level, issued through the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education. Around 11:25 a.m., Arroyo issued Proclamation No. 1017 on national television
, which places the entire nation under a state of emergency
in an attempt to quell the rebellion — many fear this step might eventually lead to the introduction of martial law
. General Order No. 5 was issued by the President
to implement Proclamation No. 1017. It orders the Armed Forces of the Philippines
to "maintain the peace and order of the country
and to protect it from terrorism or chaos."
The Proclamation effectively cancelled all rally permits everywhere, and according to interpretations by the Arroyo
administration, legalized arrest
without a warrant
.
, while others went to the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Ninoy Aquino
's monument on Ayala Avenue at Makati City
, the metro's
central business district.
On the other side of EDSA, protesters led by University of the Philippines
Professor Randy David
were violently dispersed by the security forces at the EDSA-Kamuning intersection. Prof. David and Atty. Argee Guevarra were arrested and was charged with inciting to sedition
in Camp Karingal in Quezon City
. He was later released by nighttime, with all of the charges dropped. Ronald Llamas, a leader of the center-left of the Akbayan
party, was arrested as well.
Around 3:30 p.m. demonstrators from different sectors gathered around at the Ninoy Aquino Monument in Makati City
to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution. Prominent personalities like former President
Corazon Aquino
and her daughter Kris Aquino
, Senate President
Franklin Drilon
, former Vice President
Teofisto Guingona, Bishop Teodoro Bacani and Bishop Oscar Cruz, as well as other senators like Sen. Aquilino Pimentel took part in this event. Protesters believed that Makati would be a safe gathering place because it is governed by Mayor Jejomar Binay who is an opposition leader. However, numerous police personnel have been deployed in the area to control the situation. The traditional throwing of confetti
was carried out by some building occupants and a helicopter. The rally concluded by a dispersal made by the Philippine National Police
around 7:30 p.m. This is contrary to the statement of the police which said that the protesters "voluntarily" left the site where they held their protests.
are not true. Mayor Ejercito denied the information that came from Malacañang. Malacañang also said that there are no unauthorized troop movements.
Chief Vice Admiral Mateo Mayuga and Malacañang said that Miranda asked to be relieved because of personal reasons, while others perceived it as the firing of Miranda. He was replaced by Brig. Gen. Nelson Allaga, who will assume the position as Acting Commandant of Philippine Marines. Colonel Ariel Querubin protested those actions from the Philippine Navy and marines went to the chapel of Fort Bonifacio, to start their prayer vigil as their protest. Actions of these marines could lead to a "withdrawal of support." Presidential Chief-of-Staff Mike Defensor said that the decision is within the military so Malacañang has no influence of the matter. He also said that the media should not cover the events that was happening in the Fort (the major private stations covered the crisis in defiance, while the government-owned stations did not).
The armed forces implemented measures to counter the crisis such as blocking Lawton Ave. (which is the main road to the Fort) from possible protesters, turning off the lights in the Fort, and the deployment of loyalist troops to quell the situation.
However, former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, Jr.
, De La Salle University
President Bro. Armin Luistro, FSC, former President Cory Aquino, Rep. Benigno Aquino III
, Sen. Ramon Magsaysay, Jr.
, Rep. Imee Marcos
, and prominent opposition members went to Fort Bonifacio, but the Civil Disturbance Team went there 7:05 p.m. to control civilians. The civil society held their prayer vigils, led by La Salle Brothers
, in front of the Fort.
On the evening of February 26, 2006, Capt. Geronimo said that the crisis between the Philippine Marines was over. The newly appointed Commandant of Philippine Marine Corps, Brig. Gen. Nelson Allaga, assumed control of all of the marines. Querubin was later fired from the armed forces. He bid his comrades goodbye at Marawi City.
New Marine Corps Commandant Brig. Gen. Allaga said that the situation in the Marines was over and the whole Philippine Marine Corps will still will follow the "chain of command
" despite of the events happened earlier. This is a result of a gentlemanly agreement to have a vote of whether to follow the chain of command or not. The result was 9 would follow the chain of command while 6 would not.
After the crisis, most people in front of Fort Bonifacio left. Malacañang declared the suspension of all classes on all school levels on the following day, as a response to the crisis at the Fort. Col. Querubin had also been relieved from his position commander of the 1st Marine Brigade and Lt. Col. Luisito Marcelino will temporarily take command of the brigade.
rally, the Department of Justice
sued former Senator Gregorio Honasan, who had previously led coups against the Aquino government in the 1980s, and other six leaders of RAM (Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa or Revolutionary Nationalist Alliance) for the 2003 Oakwood mutiny. On February 25, ANAK-PAWIS Party-list Representative
Crispin Beltran
was shown a warrant and taken in for questioning under the state of emergency laws for an alleged role in a 1985 coup against Ferdinand Marcos
, a highly unusual and controversial move since the alleged case occurred over twenty years ago. Beltran has stated in response, "They say this is just an invitation but I think this is an arrest. Warrantless arrest, I think there will be more to come." Rep. Beltran underwent inquest by the police on Monday, February 27, 2006 and was charged for "inciting rebellion
" and "conspiracy
to commit rebellion."
Next, the police tried unsuccessfully to arrest Bayan Muna
Party-list Representative Satur Ocampo. Former chief of Philippine Constabulary
retired General Ramon Montaño, who was former President Fidel V. Ramos
’s national security adviser, was also arrested by the police. He will be charged for inciting sedition. Former Police General Rex Piad was also arrested but later on it was revealed that there is no evidence to support his arrest.
, Crispin Beltran
, Teodoro Casiño
, Joel Virador
, and Liza Maza
), to the Department of Justice in violation of Article 134 in relation to Article 135 of the Revised Penal Code (rebellion/insurrection). A panel of prosecutors were assigned to the so-called "Batasan 5", but failed to find them guilty. Minority floor leader Rep. Francis Escudero of Sorsogon
appealed to House Speaker Jose de Venecia
to halt arrests among congressmen during the state of emergency. De Venecia assured protection among the members of the House, and offered his office and his conference room for their stay. For 70 days the five legislators took refuge in the House of Representatives. Later on May 11, 2006, the Department of Justice filed new charges against the Batasan 5, for plotting to instigate a rebellion on May 1.
On February 25, 2006, the PNP
–CIDG raided The Daily Tribune of alleged assistance to the leftist groups and rebel military groups.
There were also reports that the military surrounded ABS-CBN compound in Mother Ignacia, Diliman, Quezon City. Although they left the premises hours later.
Samahang Plaridel, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, and Committee to Protect Journalists
were all disappointed of Proclamation No. 1017, which, according to them, suppresses press freedom
.
), Arroyo
has stated that she will lift the "state of emergency" soon, perhaps by the end of the first week of March. The President gives a 24 to 72 hour time frame to the Secretary of Justice
, Secretary of National Defense, and to the Chief of Philippine National Police
to give reports to her before lifting the state of emergency.
On March 3, 2006, by the virtue of Proclamation No. 1021, the Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
officially concluded state of emergency in the Philippines. The state of emergency (Proclamation No. 1017) lasted one week
since February 24, 2006. According to her, the state of emergency protected major democratic institutions... and even the media. This led to lowering of security alerts of the Philippine National Police
and Armed Forces of the Philippines
.
. Benito Lim, Professor of Political Science at the University of the Philippines
, stated, "This is suppression of all freedom. It is in violation of the constitution and the bill of rights. This is the beginning of using stronger measures to quell dissent against the government. Their justification is reminiscent of Marcos when he proclaimed martial law."
On February 24, 2006, the Philippine National Police
violently dispersed protesters from EDSA. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines
denounced the violence, and advised the President to be calm in handling the protests. Archbishop Oscar Cruz of Dagupan City
, Pangasinan
and other bishops were not happy of the proclamation from the President stating that the Philippines is under a state of emergency, however the CBCP wants the people to be vigilant of the situation.
Former President Ramos said that he was disappointed of the declaration of state of emergency to just prevent an uprising of a small faction of the military, saying it was overkill
. The former President
describes his cold relationship to President Arroyo as "Waning, waning."
Former President Joseph Estrada appealed to Arroyo to remove the declaration of State of Emergency as it will not benefit most of the people in the country. He also condemns "baseless arrests" and the alleged dictatorship rule.
Fernando Poe, Jr.'s widow Susan Roces said that last week, President Arroyo said that she is the best President of the country, "Is this the best?" Roces is referring to the speech of Arroyo regarding a meeting with the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) saying: "And let me also make clear: I believe I am the best person to lead this nation through this transition. I was elected to make difficult decisions, and I have made them. Not without mistakes on my part, and certainly not without significant criticism. But I have the experience of hindsight, and I aim to fulfill my term with a steady hand on the helm."
The Lasallian Brothers
issued a letter about the current political crisis in the country. One of their main points is: "We wish to reaffirm that the most peaceful and expedient way to resolve the current crisis is for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to make the supreme sacrifice and to resign voluntarily, an option fully in consonance with the Constitution, in order to pave the way for a smooth and peaceful transition of power." which calls for the resignation of President Arroyo.
Vice President Noli de Castro
affirms President Arroyo's declaration. He said, "I respect the right of the President to declare a state of emergency in order to preserve the peace, maintain law and order, and ensure the protection of human rights and civil liberties of the people for as long as there is imminent threat to public safety."
However, on March 1, 2006, de Castro wants to remove the state of emergency since "there is no more emergency", according to him.
In a press statement, the United States
, through the U.S. Department of State
welcomed President Arroyo's lifting of the State of National Emergency expressing optimism towards deeper cooperation on important issues including counter-terrorism, regional cooperation and security, defense reform, strengthening democracy and economic development.
Lawyers question Proclamation No. 1017 stating that the whole nation is under State of Emergency and other actions of the government in the Supreme Court of the Philippines
by issuing multiple petitions.
Eventually, 25 Scout Rangers officers were arrested but were charged only on August 2, 2006 after several months in detention. Also charged were several Marine officers allegedly involved in the Fort Bonifacio incident.
Those charged were Brigadier General Danilo Lim, Lieutenant Colonels Nestor Flordeliza and Edmundo Malabanjot; Majors Jason Aquino, and Jose Leomar Doctolero; Captains James Sababan, Montano Almodovar, Joey Fontiveros, Ruben Guinolbay, Isagani Criste, William Upano, Dante Langkit, Allan Aurino, and Frederick Sales; and First Lieutenants Ervin Divinagracia, Jacon Cordero, Homer Estolas, Sandro Sereno and Richiemel Caballes of the Philippine Army Scout Rangers. The indicted Marine officers are Major General Renato Miranda, Medal of Valor awardees Col. Ariel Querubin, Lt. Col. Custodio Parcon; Colonels Orlando de Leon, Januario Caringal and Armando Bañez; Lieutenant Colonels Valentin Hizon, Romulo Gualdrapa, and Achilles Segumalian; Maj. Francisco Domingo Fernandez; and 1Lt. Belinda Ferrer.
The pretrial investigation panel formed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, conducted by the Judge Advocate General's Office and headed by Col. Al Pereras recommended the dismissal of the charge of mutiny but the retention of charges for conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman for a few of the detained officers. All charges against Capt. Guinolbay were recommended dismissed. The same however, was overturned by Chief of Staff Hermogenes Esperon, allegedly upon the recommendation of the Staff Judge Advocate, even as Marine Lt. Cols Valentin Hizon and Romulo Gualdrapa were dropped as accused by Gen. Esperon's exercise of discretion.
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
was under a state of emergency
State of emergency
A state of emergency is a governmental declaration that may suspend some normal functions of the executive, legislative and judicial powers, alert citizens to change their normal behaviours, or order government agencies to implement emergency preparedness plans. It can also be used as a rationale...
, announced by presidential spokesperson Ignacio Bunye
Ignacio Bunye
Ignacio Rivera Bunye is a Filipino politician who is currently serving as the Monetary Board Member of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas since July 3, 2008...
on the morning of February 24, 2006, by the virtue of Proclamation No. 1017. This occurred after the government
Politics of the Philippines
The Politics of the Philippines takes place in an organized framework of a presidential, representative, and democratic republic whereby the president is both the head of state and the head of government within a pluriform multi-party system...
claimed that it foiled an alleged coup d'état
Coup d'état
A coup d'état state, literally: strike/blow of state)—also known as a coup, putsch, and overthrow—is the sudden, extrajudicial deposition of a government, usually by a small group of the existing state establishment—typically the military—to replace the deposed government with another body; either...
attempt against the administration of Philippine President
President of the Philippines
The President of the Philippines is the head of state and head of government of the Philippines. The president leads the executive branch of the Philippine government and is the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines...
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a Filipino politician who served as the 14th President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, as the 12th Vice President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, and is currently a member of the House of Representatives representing the 2nd District of Pampanga...
earlier that same day. The Philippine
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
government security service also claimed that it had arrested a general who was involved in the coup attempt. The president lifted the state of emergency on March 3, 2006 by the virtue of Proclamation No. 1021.
The state of national emergency also led to a temporary suspension of lower-level education classes and an immediate revocation on all licenses and permits to hold demonstration
Demonstration (people)
A demonstration or street protest is action by a mass group or collection of groups of people in favor of a political or other cause; it normally consists of walking in a mass march formation and either beginning with or meeting at a designated endpoint, or rally, to hear speakers.Actions such as...
s and protest
Protest
A protest is an expression of objection, by words or by actions, to particular events, policies or situations. Protests can take many different forms, from individual statements to mass demonstrations...
s. The Arroyo administration, informally known as Malacañang, after the presidential palace, also suspended all public activities on the same day and even on succeeding days. Under the provisions in the constitution of the Philippines
Constitution of the Philippines
The Constitution of the Philippines is the supreme law of the Philippines.The Constitution currently in effect was enacted in 1987, during the administration of President Corazon Aquino, and is popularly known as the "1987 Constitution"...
, at the moment, the government is allowed to detain anyone indefinitely without the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus
Habeas corpus
is a writ, or legal action, through which a prisoner can be released from unlawful detention. The remedy can be sought by the prisoner or by another person coming to his aid. Habeas corpus originated in the English legal system, but it is now available in many nations...
.
President Arroyo assures that the situation was under control and the state of emergency would not be abused.
Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a Filipino politician who served as the 14th President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, as the 12th Vice President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, and is currently a member of the House of Representatives representing the 2nd District of Pampanga...
had justified her declaration of a state of emergency with her statement of "clear and present danger to our republic that we have discovered and thwarted." Critics claim that this is an attempt by Arroyo to seize political power
Political power
Political power is a type of power held by a group in a society which allows administration of some or all of public resources, including labour, and wealth. There are many ways to obtain possession of such power. At the nation-state level political legitimacy for political power is held by the...
due to her sagging influence and popularity, and some draw similarities to the actions of deposed Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos
Ferdinand Marcos
Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos, Sr. was a Filipino leader and an authoritarian President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He was a lawyer, member of the Philippine House of Representatives and a member of the Philippine Senate...
when he declared martial law
Martial law
Martial law is the imposition of military rule by military authorities over designated regions on an emergency basis— only temporary—when the civilian government or civilian authorities fail to function effectively , when there are extensive riots and protests, or when the disobedience of the law...
in 1972.
On March 3, 2006 (one week after the proclamation), by the virtue of Proclamation No. 1021, the President called off the state of emergency.
Previous incidents
The coup attempt follows the 2003 Oakwood mutinyOakwood mutiny
The Oakwood mutiny occurred in the Philippines on July 27, 2003. A group of 321 armed soldiers who called themselves "Bagong Katipuneros" led by Army Capt. Gerardo Gambala and LtSG...
where President Arroyo, certain members of her cabinet
Executive Departments of the Philippines
The Executive departments of the Philippines is the largest component of the national executive branch of the government of the Philippines. There are a total of nineteen executive departments. The departments comprise the largest part of the country's bureaucracy...
, and the military
Armed Forces of the Philippines
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is composed of the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force...
were charged with corruption
Political corruption
Political corruption is the use of legislated powers by government officials for illegitimate private gain. Misuse of government power for other purposes, such as repression of political opponents and general police brutality, is not considered political corruption. Neither are illegal acts by...
and the Hello Garci scandal
Hello Garci scandal
The Hello Garci scandal was a political scandal and electoral crisis in the Philippines.The scandal involved former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who allegedly rigged the 2004 national election in her favor. The official results of that election gave Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Noli de Castro...
, where in 2004, Arroyo and certain election officials were charged with electoral fraud
Electoral fraud
Electoral fraud is illegal interference with the process of an election. Acts of fraud affect vote counts to bring about an election result, whether by increasing the vote share of the favored candidate, depressing the vote share of the rival candidates or both...
in the 2004 presidential elections.
This also comes after Executive Order No. 464, where the President forbade government officials under the Executive branch
Executive Departments of the Philippines
The Executive departments of the Philippines is the largest component of the national executive branch of the government of the Philippines. There are a total of nineteen executive departments. The departments comprise the largest part of the country's bureaucracy...
to attend Filipino Congressional
Congress of the Philippines
The Congress of the Philippines is the national legislature of the Republic of the Philippines. It is a bicameral body consisting of the Senate , and the House of Representatives although commonly in the Philippines the term congress refers to the latter.The Senate is composed of 24 senators half...
hearings, and the Calibrated Pre-Emptive Response, where street protests were disallowed without securing a rally permit.
This has led to a drop at the president's popularity ratings from +28% right after EDSA II to -30% by December 2005.
Timeline of events leading up to the proclamation
The coup was first reported when 14 junior military officers were arrested for plotting a coup on Wednesday, February 22. By around midnight of the 24th, many military vehicles were seen entering Fort BonifacioFort Bonifacio
Fort Bonifacio is a highly urbanized district in Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines. The district is named after the main Philippine Army camp in Metro Manila, Fort Andres Bonifacio, which in turn was named after the famous Philippine revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio...
at Taguig City
Taguig City
Taguig is a city in Metro Manila in the Philippines. From a thriving fishing community along the shores of Laguna de Bay, it is now an important residential, commercial and industrial center...
. Then, at 2:00 a.m., several more vehicles were seen entering Camp Aguinaldo
Camp Aguinaldo
Camp Aguinaldo is the military headquarters of the Philippine Army and the Armed Forces of the Philippines and is located in Quezon City in the Philippines. It is along Epifanio de los Santos Ave. , in front of Camp Crame, the national headquarters of the Philippine National Police...
at the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue
Epifanio de los Santos Avenue
Epifanio de los Santos Avenue , formerly known as Highway 54, is the main circumferential road and highway of Metro Manila in the Philippines. It is an important commuting artery between the northern and southern parts of the metropolitan area...
. Brigadier General
Brigadier General
Brigadier general is a senior rank in the armed forces. It is the lowest ranking general officer in some countries, usually sitting between the ranks of colonel and major general. When appointed to a field command, a brigadier general is typically in command of a brigade consisting of around 4,000...
Danilo D. Lim of the Scout Rangers
1st Scout Ranger Regiment
The Scout Rangers, known officially as the First Scout Ranger Regiment, is a Philippine Army Special Operations Command unit, and specializes in anti-guerrilla warfare...
was put under the custody of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Armed Forces of the Philippines
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is composed of the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force...
.
Former President Joseph Estrada
Joseph Estrada
Joseph "Erap" Ejercito Estrada was the 13th President of the Philippines, serving from 1998 until 2001. Estrada was the first person in the Post-EDSA era to be elected both to the presidency and vice-presidency.Estrada gained popularity as a film actor, playing the lead role in over 100 films in...
was awoken by the police around 3:00 a.m. in San Juan Medical Center because he was ordered return to his resthouse in Tanay, Rizal
Tanay, Rizal
Tanay is a 1st class municipality in the province of Rizal, Philippines. It is located 57 kilometers east of Manila, although a typical commute between Manila and Tanay will take between one to three hours depending upon traffic conditions...
. He did not follow the request of the police, because it has no authority from the Sandiganbayan (the court which is trying his case). He said that "Magkakamatayan kami" (over my dead body). His eye operation succeeded despite the political unrest within Metro Manila
Metro Manila
Metropolitan Manila , the National Capital Region , or simply Metro Manila, is the metropolitan region encompassing the City of Manila and its surrounding areas in the Philippines...
.
Hours later, large demonstration
Demonstration (people)
A demonstration or street protest is action by a mass group or collection of groups of people in favor of a political or other cause; it normally consists of walking in a mass march formation and either beginning with or meeting at a designated endpoint, or rally, to hear speakers.Actions such as...
s were held at EDSA Shrine, the site of the first People Power movement in 1986. The Presidential Malacañang Palace
Malacañang Palace
The Malacañan Palace, commonly known simply as Malacañang, is the official residence and principal workplace of the President of the Philippines. Located at 1000 J. P. Laurel Street, San Miguel, Manila, the house was built in 1750 in Spanish Colonial style. It has been the residence of every...
has been heavily guarded since a lacquer
Lacquer
In a general sense, lacquer is a somewhat imprecise term for a clear or coloured varnish that dries by solvent evaporation and often a curing process as well that produces a hard, durable finish, in any sheen level from ultra matte to high gloss and that can be further polished as required...
thinner
Thinner
Thinner may mean:*Paint thinner, a solvent used in painting and decorating, for thinning oil based paint and cleaning brushes.*Thinner , a 1984 horror novel by Stephen King, written as Richard Bachman...
bomb
Bomb
A bomb is any of a range of explosive weapons that only rely on the exothermic reaction of an explosive material to provide an extremely sudden and violent release of energy...
exploded
Explosion
An explosion is a rapid increase in volume and release of energy in an extreme manner, usually with the generation of high temperatures and the release of gases. An explosion creates a shock wave. If the shock wave is a supersonic detonation, then the source of the blast is called a "high explosive"...
outside of the building on Thursday, February 23. The coup is part of a plot codenamed "Oplan HACKLE
Oplan HACKLE
Oplan HACKLE is a supposed plot by rebel soldiers in the Philippines to overthrow the Arroyo administration, foiled by the Armed Forces of the Philippines on February 24, 2006...
."
Arroyo claimed that the coup was a plan between right-wing factions in the military and leftist anarchists, a highly questionable claim since it has been pointed out that both sides have fought each other in the past, and would make unlikely allies.
By mid-morning, President Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a Filipino politician who served as the 14th President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, as the 12th Vice President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, and is currently a member of the House of Representatives representing the 2nd District of Pampanga...
had declared a moratorium
Moratorium (law)
A moratorium is a delay or suspension of an activity or a law. In a legal context, it may refer to the temporary suspension of a law to allow a legal challenge to be carried out....
on all school activities
Education in the Philippines
During the period of governance of Spain and the United States, education in the Philippines changed radically, mostly modeled on the system of education in the United States of the time...
from elementary
Elementary school
An elementary school or primary school is an institution where children receive the first stage of compulsory education known as elementary or primary education. Elementary school is the preferred term in some countries, particularly those in North America, where the terms grade school and grammar...
to college
College
A college is an educational institution or a constituent part of an educational institution. Usage varies in English-speaking nations...
level, issued through the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education. Around 11:25 a.m., Arroyo issued Proclamation No. 1017 on national television
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
, which places the entire nation under a state of emergency
State of emergency
A state of emergency is a governmental declaration that may suspend some normal functions of the executive, legislative and judicial powers, alert citizens to change their normal behaviours, or order government agencies to implement emergency preparedness plans. It can also be used as a rationale...
in an attempt to quell the rebellion — many fear this step might eventually lead to the introduction of martial law
Martial law
Martial law is the imposition of military rule by military authorities over designated regions on an emergency basis— only temporary—when the civilian government or civilian authorities fail to function effectively , when there are extensive riots and protests, or when the disobedience of the law...
. General Order No. 5 was issued by the President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a Filipino politician who served as the 14th President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, as the 12th Vice President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, and is currently a member of the House of Representatives representing the 2nd District of Pampanga...
to implement Proclamation No. 1017. It orders the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Armed Forces of the Philippines
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is composed of the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force...
to "maintain the peace and order of the country
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
and to protect it from terrorism or chaos."
The Proclamation effectively cancelled all rally permits everywhere, and according to interpretations by the Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a Filipino politician who served as the 14th President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, as the 12th Vice President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, and is currently a member of the House of Representatives representing the 2nd District of Pampanga...
administration, legalized arrest
Arrest
An arrest is the act of depriving a person of his or her liberty usually in relation to the purported investigation and prevention of crime and presenting into the criminal justice system or harm to oneself or others...
without a warrant
Warrant (law)
Most often, the term warrant refers to a specific type of authorization; a writ issued by a competent officer, usually a judge or magistrate, which permits an otherwise illegal act that would violate individual rights and affords the person executing the writ protection from damages if the act is...
.
Events after the proclamation
The EDSA Shrine protesters were dispersed by the police by noontime. Some made their way to La Salle Green HillsLa Salle Green Hills
La Salle Green Hills is a private Catholic school exclusively for boys located on Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines. It is run by the Roman Catholic Brothers of the Christian Schools- Philippine District. It was established in 1959 by the De La Salle Brothers led by the...
, while others went to the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Ninoy Aquino
Benigno Aquino, Jr.
Benigno Simeon "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. was a Filipino Senator and a former Governor of Tarlac. Aquino, together with Gerry Roxas and Jovito Salonga, formed the leadership of the opposition to the Marcos regime in the years leading to the imposition of martial law in the Philippines...
's monument on Ayala Avenue at Makati City
Makati City
The City of Makati is one of the 17 cities that make up Metro Manila, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. Makati is the financial center of the Philippines and one of the major financial, commercial and economic hubs in Asia...
, the metro's
Metro Manila
Metropolitan Manila , the National Capital Region , or simply Metro Manila, is the metropolitan region encompassing the City of Manila and its surrounding areas in the Philippines...
central business district.
On the other side of EDSA, protesters led by University of the Philippines
University of the Philippines
The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No...
Professor Randy David
Randy David
Randolf "Randy" S. David is a Filipino journalist, television host and a sociologist. He currently pens a weekly newspaper column for the Philippine Daily Inquirer...
were violently dispersed by the security forces at the EDSA-Kamuning intersection. Prof. David and Atty. Argee Guevarra were arrested and was charged with inciting to sedition
Sedition
In law, sedition is overt conduct, such as speech and organization, that is deemed by the legal authority to tend toward insurrection against the established order. Sedition often includes subversion of a constitution and incitement of discontent to lawful authority. Sedition may include any...
in Camp Karingal in Quezon City
Quezon City
Quezon City is the former capital and the most populous city in the Philippines. Located on the island of Luzon, Quezon City is one of the cities and municipalities that make up Metro Manila, the National Capital Region. The city was named after Manuel L...
. He was later released by nighttime, with all of the charges dropped. Ronald Llamas, a leader of the center-left of the Akbayan
Akbayan Citizens' Action Party
The Akbayan Citizens' Action Party or AKBAYAN is a registered national political party representing marginalized sectors in the Philippines. Akbayan first participated in the partylist elections in the House of Representatives in the 1998 National Elections and won one seat. The first...
party, was arrested as well.
Around 3:30 p.m. demonstrators from different sectors gathered around at the Ninoy Aquino Monument in Makati City
Makati City
The City of Makati is one of the 17 cities that make up Metro Manila, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. Makati is the financial center of the Philippines and one of the major financial, commercial and economic hubs in Asia...
to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution. Prominent personalities like former President
President of the Philippines
The President of the Philippines is the head of state and head of government of the Philippines. The president leads the executive branch of the Philippine government and is the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines...
Corazon Aquino
Corazon Aquino
Maria Corazon Sumulong Cojuangco-Aquino was the 11th President of the Philippines and the first woman to hold that office in Philippine history. She is best remembered for leading the 1986 People Power Revolution, which toppled Ferdinand Marcos and restored democracy in the Philippines...
and her daughter Kris Aquino
Kris Aquino
Kristina Bernadette Cojuangco Aquino , commonly known as Kris Aquino, is a Filipino television and movie personality who gained prominence from her talk shows, game shows, and numerous endorsements. Known as the Queen of All Media and Philippines' Queen of Talk, she is the youngest daughter of...
, Senate President
Senate of the Philippines
The Senate of the Philippines is the upper chamber of the bicameral legislature of the Philippines, the Congress of the Philippines...
Franklin Drilon
Franklin Drilon
Franklin Magtunao Drilon is a Filipino politician who served as President of the Senate of the Philippines in 2000 and from 2001 to 2006. Drilon currently serves his third term in the Senate...
, former Vice President
Vice President of the Philippines
-Description:The Vice-President is the first in the Philippine line of succession, assuming the Presidency upon the death, resignation, or removal by impeachment and subsequent conviction of the incumbent. The position was abolished by Martial Law in 1972, and was not included in the original text...
Teofisto Guingona, Bishop Teodoro Bacani and Bishop Oscar Cruz, as well as other senators like Sen. Aquilino Pimentel took part in this event. Protesters believed that Makati would be a safe gathering place because it is governed by Mayor Jejomar Binay who is an opposition leader. However, numerous police personnel have been deployed in the area to control the situation. The traditional throwing of confetti
Confetti
Confetti is a multitude of pieces of paper, mylar or metallic material which is usually thrown at parades and celebrations, especially weddings . Confetti is made in a variety of colors, and commercially available confetti is available in imaginative shapes...
was carried out by some building occupants and a helicopter. The rally concluded by a dispersal made by the Philippine National Police
Philippine National Police
The Philippine National Police is the national police force of the Republic of the Philippines. It is both a national and a local police force in that it does provides all law enforcement services throughout the Philippines...
around 7:30 p.m. This is contrary to the statement of the police which said that the protesters "voluntarily" left the site where they held their protests.
Military movements
On the morning of February 26, 2006, the Armed Forces denied the text messages stating that there would be unusual military movements. Malacañang said that those statements who came from Mayor J. V. Ejercito of San Juan, Metro ManilaSan Juan, Metro Manila
The City of San Juan or simply San Juan is a city in Metro Manila in the Philippines. Before the creation of Metro Manila, it was part of Rizal Province. Currently the smallest city in the region and the country in terms of area, San Juan is one of the smallest among the cities and municipalities...
are not true. Mayor Ejercito denied the information that came from Malacañang. Malacañang also said that there are no unauthorized troop movements.
Fort Bonifacio crisis
Around 6:00 p.m. of February 26, 2006, Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda was either relieved or was asked to be relieved from his position as Commandant of the Philippine Marines. Philippine NavyPhilippine Navy
The Philippine Navy is the naval arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines . Its official name in Filipino is Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas, literally, "Sea Force of the Philippines"....
Chief Vice Admiral Mateo Mayuga and Malacañang said that Miranda asked to be relieved because of personal reasons, while others perceived it as the firing of Miranda. He was replaced by Brig. Gen. Nelson Allaga, who will assume the position as Acting Commandant of Philippine Marines. Colonel Ariel Querubin protested those actions from the Philippine Navy and marines went to the chapel of Fort Bonifacio, to start their prayer vigil as their protest. Actions of these marines could lead to a "withdrawal of support." Presidential Chief-of-Staff Mike Defensor said that the decision is within the military so Malacañang has no influence of the matter. He also said that the media should not cover the events that was happening in the Fort (the major private stations covered the crisis in defiance, while the government-owned stations did not).
The armed forces implemented measures to counter the crisis such as blocking Lawton Ave. (which is the main road to the Fort) from possible protesters, turning off the lights in the Fort, and the deployment of loyalist troops to quell the situation.
However, former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, Jr.
Teofisto Guingona, Jr.
Teofisto Tayko Guingona, Jr. was the Vice President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2004 during the first term of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.-Early Life and Career:...
, De La Salle University
De La Salle University
De La Salle University is a private Lasallian university in Malate, Manila, Philippines. It was founded in 1911 by De La Salle Brothers as the De La Salle College in Paco, Manila with Blimond Pierre serving as its first director...
President Bro. Armin Luistro, FSC, former President Cory Aquino, Rep. Benigno Aquino III
Benigno Aquino III
Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III , also known as Noynoy Aquino or PNoy, is a Filipino politician who has been the 15th and current President of the Philippines since June 2010....
, Sen. Ramon Magsaysay, Jr.
Ramon Magsaysay, Jr.
Ramón Banzon Magsaysay, Jr. is a political figure and senator of the Philippines.-Early life and career:Magsaysay Jr. was born in Manila to former President Ramón Magsaysay and Luz Banzon. He was 15 when his father was elected president and was 18 when his father died in a plane crash in Cebu...
, Rep. Imee Marcos
Imee Marcos
Maria Imelda Josefa Romualdez Marcos , most widely known as Imee Marcos, is a Filipino politician who has been Governor of Ilocos Norte since 2010. She served three terms as Representative of the 2nd District of Ilocos Norte in the Philippine House of Representatives from 1998 to 2007...
, and prominent opposition members went to Fort Bonifacio, but the Civil Disturbance Team went there 7:05 p.m. to control civilians. The civil society held their prayer vigils, led by La Salle Brothers
De La Salle Brothers in the Philippines
The De La Salle Brothers - Philippine District is part of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, the largest congregation of Roman Catholic religious Brothers who are exclusively dedicated to education...
, in front of the Fort.
On the evening of February 26, 2006, Capt. Geronimo said that the crisis between the Philippine Marines was over. The newly appointed Commandant of Philippine Marine Corps, Brig. Gen. Nelson Allaga, assumed control of all of the marines. Querubin was later fired from the armed forces. He bid his comrades goodbye at Marawi City.
New Marine Corps Commandant Brig. Gen. Allaga said that the situation in the Marines was over and the whole Philippine Marine Corps will still will follow the "chain of command
Chain of Command
Chain of Command may refer to:* Chain of command, in a military context, the line of authority and responsibility along which orders are passed* "Chain of Command" , the fifth episode of the first season of Beast Wars...
" despite of the events happened earlier. This is a result of a gentlemanly agreement to have a vote of whether to follow the chain of command or not. The result was 9 would follow the chain of command while 6 would not.
After the crisis, most people in front of Fort Bonifacio left. Malacañang declared the suspension of all classes on all school levels on the following day, as a response to the crisis at the Fort. Col. Querubin had also been relieved from his position commander of the 1st Marine Brigade and Lt. Col. Luisito Marcelino will temporarily take command of the brigade.
Arrests
After the MakatiMakati City
The City of Makati is one of the 17 cities that make up Metro Manila, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. Makati is the financial center of the Philippines and one of the major financial, commercial and economic hubs in Asia...
rally, the Department of Justice
Department of Justice (Philippines)
The Department of Justice , abbreviated as DOJ, is the executive department of the Philippine government responsible for upholding the rule of law in the Philippines...
sued former Senator Gregorio Honasan, who had previously led coups against the Aquino government in the 1980s, and other six leaders of RAM (Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa or Revolutionary Nationalist Alliance) for the 2003 Oakwood mutiny. On February 25, ANAK-PAWIS Party-list Representative
House of Representatives of the Philippines
The House of Representatives of the Philippines is the lower chamber of the...
Crispin Beltran
Crispin Beltran
Crispin 'Ka Bel' Beltran was a Filipino politician and a labor leader. A staunch critic of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, his imprisonment in 2006 and 2007 on disputed charges of rebellion and sedition drew international attention...
was shown a warrant and taken in for questioning under the state of emergency laws for an alleged role in a 1985 coup against Ferdinand Marcos
Ferdinand Marcos
Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos, Sr. was a Filipino leader and an authoritarian President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He was a lawyer, member of the Philippine House of Representatives and a member of the Philippine Senate...
, a highly unusual and controversial move since the alleged case occurred over twenty years ago. Beltran has stated in response, "They say this is just an invitation but I think this is an arrest. Warrantless arrest, I think there will be more to come." Rep. Beltran underwent inquest by the police on Monday, February 27, 2006 and was charged for "inciting rebellion
Rebellion
Rebellion, uprising or insurrection, is a refusal of obedience or order. It may, therefore, be seen as encompassing a range of behaviors aimed at destroying or replacing an established authority such as a government or a head of state...
" and "conspiracy
Conspiracy (crime)
In the criminal law, a conspiracy is an agreement between two or more persons to break the law at some time in the future, and, in some cases, with at least one overt act in furtherance of that agreement...
to commit rebellion."
Next, the police tried unsuccessfully to arrest Bayan Muna
Bayan Muna
Bayan Muna is a leftist political party in the Philippines.The motto of the party is "New Politics, the Politics of Change", against "traditional, elitist, pro-imperialist politics". Its platform includes the advocation of a government that progressively supports the working class, with meaningful...
Party-list Representative Satur Ocampo. Former chief of Philippine Constabulary
Philippine Constabulary
The Philippine Constabulary ' was the oldest of four service commands of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It was a gendarmerie type para-military police force of the Philippines established in 1901 by the United States-appointed administrative authority replacing the Guardia Civil...
retired General Ramon Montaño, who was former President Fidel V. Ramos
Fidel V. Ramos
Fidel "Eddie" Valdez Ramos , popularly known as FVR, was the 12th President of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998. During his six years in office, Ramos was widely credited and admired by many for revitalizing and renewing international confidence in the Philippine economy.Prior to his election as...
’s national security adviser, was also arrested by the police. He will be charged for inciting sedition. Former Police General Rex Piad was also arrested but later on it was revealed that there is no evidence to support his arrest.
Batasan 5
On February 27, 2006, the PNP–CIDG filed cases against 51 alleged communists, which included five party-list representatives (Satur OcampoSatur Ocampo
Saturnino Cunanan Ocampo is a former Filipino partylist representative, journalist, and writer. As party president and first nominee, he led the partylist group Bayan Muna in three successful elections. He was a member of the House of Representatives, and Deputy Minority Leader in the 14th...
, Crispin Beltran
Crispin Beltran
Crispin 'Ka Bel' Beltran was a Filipino politician and a labor leader. A staunch critic of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, his imprisonment in 2006 and 2007 on disputed charges of rebellion and sedition drew international attention...
, Teodoro Casiño
Teodoro Casiño
Teodoro A. Casiño is a Filipino partylist representative, writer and journalist. He is a member of the House of Representatives for Bayan Muna in the 14th Congress of the Philippines.-Early Biography:...
, Joel Virador
Joel Virador
Joel G. Virador was a Filipino partylist representative for Bayan Muna in the 13th Congress of the Philippines. He is currently the party's Executive Vice President....
, and Liza Maza
Liza Maza
Liza Maza is a Filipino activist and development worker. She represents the Gabriela Women's Party in the 13th Congress of the Philippines....
), to the Department of Justice in violation of Article 134 in relation to Article 135 of the Revised Penal Code (rebellion/insurrection). A panel of prosecutors were assigned to the so-called "Batasan 5", but failed to find them guilty. Minority floor leader Rep. Francis Escudero of Sorsogon
Sorsogon
Sorsogon is a province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region; it is the southernmost province in Luzon and is subdivided into fourteen municipalities and one city. Its capital is Sorsogon City and borders the province of Albay to the north...
appealed to House Speaker Jose de Venecia
Jose de Venecia, Jr.
Jose Claveria de Venecia, Jr. also known as JDV or Joe De V is a former Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines, serving from 1992 to 1998 and from 2001 to 2008. As Speaker, he was the fourth highest ranking official of the Philippines. He was the former president of the...
to halt arrests among congressmen during the state of emergency. De Venecia assured protection among the members of the House, and offered his office and his conference room for their stay. For 70 days the five legislators took refuge in the House of Representatives. Later on May 11, 2006, the Department of Justice filed new charges against the Batasan 5, for plotting to instigate a rebellion on May 1.
Freedom of the press
During a state of emergency, the government could control public utilities, which includes media, according to the constitution. Gonzalez assures that the government will not use these powers unnecessarily. However, there are reports that the Arroyo government suppresses the freedom of the press.On February 25, 2006, the PNP
Philippine National Police
The Philippine National Police is the national police force of the Republic of the Philippines. It is both a national and a local police force in that it does provides all law enforcement services throughout the Philippines...
–CIDG raided The Daily Tribune of alleged assistance to the leftist groups and rebel military groups.
There were also reports that the military surrounded ABS-CBN compound in Mother Ignacia, Diliman, Quezon City. Although they left the premises hours later.
Samahang Plaridel, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, and Committee to Protect Journalists
Committee to Protect Journalists
The Committee to Protect Journalists is an independent nonprofit organisation based in New York City that promotes press freedom and defends the rights of journalists.-History:A group of U.S...
were all disappointed of Proclamation No. 1017, which, according to them, suppresses press freedom
Freedom of the press
Freedom of the press or freedom of the media is the freedom of communication and expression through vehicles including various electronic media and published materials...
.
Lifting of the proclamation
On March 1, 2006 (Ash WednesdayAsh Wednesday
Ash Wednesday, in the calendar of Western Christianity, is the first day of Lent and occurs 46 days before Easter. It is a moveable fast, falling on a different date each year because it is dependent on the date of Easter...
), Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a Filipino politician who served as the 14th President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, as the 12th Vice President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, and is currently a member of the House of Representatives representing the 2nd District of Pampanga...
has stated that she will lift the "state of emergency" soon, perhaps by the end of the first week of March. The President gives a 24 to 72 hour time frame to the Secretary of Justice
Department of Justice (Philippines)
The Department of Justice , abbreviated as DOJ, is the executive department of the Philippine government responsible for upholding the rule of law in the Philippines...
, Secretary of National Defense, and to the Chief of Philippine National Police
Philippine National Police
The Philippine National Police is the national police force of the Republic of the Philippines. It is both a national and a local police force in that it does provides all law enforcement services throughout the Philippines...
to give reports to her before lifting the state of emergency.
On March 3, 2006, by the virtue of Proclamation No. 1021, the Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a Filipino politician who served as the 14th President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, as the 12th Vice President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, and is currently a member of the House of Representatives representing the 2nd District of Pampanga...
officially concluded state of emergency in the Philippines. The state of emergency (Proclamation No. 1017) lasted one week
Week
A week is a time unit equal to seven days.The English word week continues an Old English wice, ultimately from a Common Germanic , from a root "turn, move, change"...
since February 24, 2006. According to her, the state of emergency protected major democratic institutions... and even the media. This led to lowering of security alerts of the Philippine National Police
Philippine National Police
The Philippine National Police is the national police force of the Republic of the Philippines. It is both a national and a local police force in that it does provides all law enforcement services throughout the Philippines...
and Armed Forces of the Philippines
Armed Forces of the Philippines
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is composed of the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force...
.
Anti-Arroyo
A number of observers have drawn parallels between the actions of President Arroyo and those of Ferdinand MarcosFerdinand Marcos
Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos, Sr. was a Filipino leader and an authoritarian President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He was a lawyer, member of the Philippine House of Representatives and a member of the Philippine Senate...
. Benito Lim, Professor of Political Science at the University of the Philippines
University of the Philippines
The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No...
, stated, "This is suppression of all freedom. It is in violation of the constitution and the bill of rights. This is the beginning of using stronger measures to quell dissent against the government. Their justification is reminiscent of Marcos when he proclaimed martial law."
On February 24, 2006, the Philippine National Police
Philippine National Police
The Philippine National Police is the national police force of the Republic of the Philippines. It is both a national and a local police force in that it does provides all law enforcement services throughout the Philippines...
violently dispersed protesters from EDSA. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines
Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines is the official organization of the Catholic episcopacy in the Philippines. Archbishop Jose S. Palma of Cebu is the current president while Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan is the current Vice President. The CBCP has 99 active...
denounced the violence, and advised the President to be calm in handling the protests. Archbishop Oscar Cruz of Dagupan City
Dagupan City
The City of Dagupan is a 1st class city in the Philippines. It is an independent component city of the province of Pangasinan. According to the latest census, Dagupan City has a population of 149,554 people in 25,921 households. Located on Lingayen Gulf on the island of Luzon, Dagupan is the...
, Pangasinan
Pangasinan
Pangasinan is a province of the Republic of the Philippines. The provincial capital is Lingayen. Pangasinan is located on the west central and peripheral area of the island of Luzon along the Lingayen Gulf, with the total land area being 5,368.82 square kilometers . According to the latest census,...
and other bishops were not happy of the proclamation from the President stating that the Philippines is under a state of emergency, however the CBCP wants the people to be vigilant of the situation.
Former President Ramos said that he was disappointed of the declaration of state of emergency to just prevent an uprising of a small faction of the military, saying it was overkill
Overkill
Overkill is the use of excessive force or action that goes further than is necessary to achieve its goal.-Nuclear weapons:Overkill is especially used to refer to a destructive nuclear capacity exceeding the amount needed to destroy an enemy...
. The former President
Fidel V. Ramos
Fidel "Eddie" Valdez Ramos , popularly known as FVR, was the 12th President of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998. During his six years in office, Ramos was widely credited and admired by many for revitalizing and renewing international confidence in the Philippine economy.Prior to his election as...
describes his cold relationship to President Arroyo as "Waning, waning."
Former President Joseph Estrada appealed to Arroyo to remove the declaration of State of Emergency as it will not benefit most of the people in the country. He also condemns "baseless arrests" and the alleged dictatorship rule.
Fernando Poe, Jr.'s widow Susan Roces said that last week, President Arroyo said that she is the best President of the country, "Is this the best?" Roces is referring to the speech of Arroyo regarding a meeting with the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) saying: "And let me also make clear: I believe I am the best person to lead this nation through this transition. I was elected to make difficult decisions, and I have made them. Not without mistakes on my part, and certainly not without significant criticism. But I have the experience of hindsight, and I aim to fulfill my term with a steady hand on the helm."
The Lasallian Brothers
Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools
The Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools is a Roman Catholic religious teaching congregation, founded in France by Saint Jean-Baptiste de la Salle and now based in Rome...
issued a letter about the current political crisis in the country. One of their main points is: "We wish to reaffirm that the most peaceful and expedient way to resolve the current crisis is for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to make the supreme sacrifice and to resign voluntarily, an option fully in consonance with the Constitution, in order to pave the way for a smooth and peaceful transition of power." which calls for the resignation of President Arroyo.
Pro-Arroyo
In the statement of Presidential Spokesperson Sec. Ignacio Bunye, he said that "The actions of the government have been well calibrated and there is no overkill... Had the President not acted as she did, we would now be under a rightist-communist junta."Vice President Noli de Castro
Noli de Castro
Manuel Leuterio de Castro, Jr. , better known as Noli de Castro or "Kabayan" Noli de Castro, was Vice President of the Philippines ....
affirms President Arroyo's declaration. He said, "I respect the right of the President to declare a state of emergency in order to preserve the peace, maintain law and order, and ensure the protection of human rights and civil liberties of the people for as long as there is imminent threat to public safety."
However, on March 1, 2006, de Castro wants to remove the state of emergency since "there is no more emergency", according to him.
In a press statement, the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, through the U.S. Department of State
United States Department of State
The United States Department of State , is the United States federal executive department responsible for international relations of the United States, equivalent to the foreign ministries of other countries...
welcomed President Arroyo's lifting of the State of National Emergency expressing optimism towards deeper cooperation on important issues including counter-terrorism, regional cooperation and security, defense reform, strengthening democracy and economic development.
Legalities
The President cited Article 7 Section 18 of the Constitution which states that: "The President…whenever necessary... may call out the armed forces to prevent or suppress... rebellion..." and Article 12 Section 17 of the Constitution which states that: "In times of national emergency, when the public interest so requires, the State may, during the emergency and under reasonable terms prescribed by it, temporarily take over or direct the operations of privately owned public utilities or business affected with public interest." Sec. Gonzalez of the Department of Justice said that the government had not yet reached that point.Lawyers question Proclamation No. 1017 stating that the whole nation is under State of Emergency and other actions of the government in the Supreme Court of the Philippines
Supreme Court of the Philippines
The Supreme Court of the Philippines is the Philippines' highest judicial court, as well as the court of last resort. The court consists of 14 Associate Justices and 1 Chief Justice...
by issuing multiple petitions.
Court Martial
Days after the lifting of the declaration of a state of emergency, several Scout Ranger officers, including Lamitan Hero, Army Captain Ruben Guinolbay, were ordered investigated and detained.Eventually, 25 Scout Rangers officers were arrested but were charged only on August 2, 2006 after several months in detention. Also charged were several Marine officers allegedly involved in the Fort Bonifacio incident.
Those charged were Brigadier General Danilo Lim, Lieutenant Colonels Nestor Flordeliza and Edmundo Malabanjot; Majors Jason Aquino, and Jose Leomar Doctolero; Captains James Sababan, Montano Almodovar, Joey Fontiveros, Ruben Guinolbay, Isagani Criste, William Upano, Dante Langkit, Allan Aurino, and Frederick Sales; and First Lieutenants Ervin Divinagracia, Jacon Cordero, Homer Estolas, Sandro Sereno and Richiemel Caballes of the Philippine Army Scout Rangers. The indicted Marine officers are Major General Renato Miranda, Medal of Valor awardees Col. Ariel Querubin, Lt. Col. Custodio Parcon; Colonels Orlando de Leon, Januario Caringal and Armando Bañez; Lieutenant Colonels Valentin Hizon, Romulo Gualdrapa, and Achilles Segumalian; Maj. Francisco Domingo Fernandez; and 1Lt. Belinda Ferrer.
The pretrial investigation panel formed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, conducted by the Judge Advocate General's Office and headed by Col. Al Pereras recommended the dismissal of the charge of mutiny but the retention of charges for conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman for a few of the detained officers. All charges against Capt. Guinolbay were recommended dismissed. The same however, was overturned by Chief of Staff Hermogenes Esperon, allegedly upon the recommendation of the Staff Judge Advocate, even as Marine Lt. Cols Valentin Hizon and Romulo Gualdrapa were dropped as accused by Gen. Esperon's exercise of discretion.
External links
- Office of the Press Secretary Online: PGMA declares a State of National Emergency
- The Daily Tribune: Without Fear or Favor
- The Official Website of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines – CBCP online
- BBC: Emergency declared in Philippines
- INQ7: Arroyo declares state of emergency
- Guardian: State of emergency in Philippines
- IFEX: Media targeted under state of emergency - IFEXInternational Freedom of Expression ExchangeThe International Freedom of Expression eXchange , founded in 1992, is a global network of around 90 non-governmental organisations that promotes and defends the right to freedom of expression....