Press conference of
progressive partylists on martial law in Maguindanao
News Release – December 5, 2009
Reference: House Deputy Minority Leader Satur C. Ocampo, 0917.8226184
Satur condemns GMA Martial Law proclamation; urges Congress joint
session to revoke Proclamation 1959
Deputy Minority Leader, Makabayan President and Bayan Muna Rep. Satur
Ocampo today condemned “as unconstitutional overkill Malacanang’s
declaration of martial law in Maguindanao via its Proclamation 1959.” He
urged his colleagues in Congress and the Senate to exercise their
legislative authority to revoke Proclamation 1959.
“Pres. Arroyo is once again abusing her authority and going beyond the
limits of her powers. The Philippine Constitution states that the
President can declare martial law or suspend the writ of habeas corpus in
case of an invasion or rebellion. Neither of these conditions exist in
Maguindanao, ergo Proclamation 1959 is unconstitutional. The reported
massing of armed groups does not yet constitute rebellion and can be dealt
with under a state of emergency. Pres. Macapagal-Arroyo must within 48
hours report her action to Congress. The latter must review the grounds
for the declaration and revoke it for not complying with the
Constitution,” Ocampo said.
“Congress must act now. The progressive partylist bloc will question the
proclamation when Congress resumes session and file a resolution calling
for a joint session to revoke Proclamation 1959 on Monday,” Ocampo said.
He said that the Arroyo government’s attempt to justify the declaration by
saying that civilian institutions are no longer functioning and that the
dispensation of justice would not be possible is not acceptable. #
References: Bayan Muna Rep. Satur C. Ocampo, Makabayan President
Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza
Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño
Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares
Gabriela Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan
Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano
Anakpawis Rep. Joel Maglunsod
Kabataan Rep. Raymond Palatino
Progressive party list bloc to file resolution vs. martial law tomorrow,
demands immediate action from Congress
Eight representatives composing the Makabayan coalition bloc in the House
of Representatives have vowed to spearhead the fight against Proclamation
1959 in the House and are filing a resolution tomorrow seeking to revoke
the President's imposition of martial law in Maguindanao.
The Makabayan coalition in the House is composed of representatives Satur
Ocampo, Teddy Casiño and Neri Colmenares of Bayan Muna; Liza Maza and
Luzviminda Ilagan of Gabriela, Rafael Mariano and Joel Maglunsod of
Anakpawis and Raymond Palatino of Kabataan. All, except the young
Palatino, were active in the anti-Marcos dictatorship struggle.
In a press conference this morning, the bloc said they would do everything
humanly possible to oppose what they called an emerging Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
dictatorship.
They reiterated their stand that Proclamation 1959 was unconstitutional as
there is no rebellion or invasion in Maguindanao. They also said it was
unnecessary since a state of emergency had already been declared in the
area and the AFP, PNP and other government agencies had enough powers to
deal with the aftermath of the Maguindanao massacre.
"We believe that Proclamation 1959 is meant to be a precedent. It is an
attempt to impose martial law even without the requirements specified in
the Constitution. If the GMA gets away with this one in Maguindanao, she
can get away with it in any other province or the whole country," they
said.
They said they would make sure Proclamation 1959 would not go unchallenged
in Congress or in the Supreme Court.
"We demand that Congress act immediately to revoke Proclamation 1959 and
protect our people from similar threats to their democratic rights and
freedoms," they said.
The bloc also said they would join and support all rallies and
demonstrations against Proclamation 1959 and for the resignation or ouster
of Pres. Arroyo. ###
In a press conference today, Dec. 6,
progressive partylist representatives condemned Proclamation 1959 and tore
copies of the unconstitutional overkill of a martial law declaration.
The members of Congress will file a joint resolution to revoke said
proclamation tomorrow.
News release is below the line.
Photos courtesy of Makabayan
Coalition
Moro-Christian interfaith group denounces Martial
Law in Maguindanao
6 December 2009
The
Moro-Christian People’s Alliance (MCPA) today joins the widening and
mounting opposition to the declaration of Martial Law in Maguindanao. The
interfaith group demands that President Arroyo revoke Proclamation 1959.
MCPA is
appalled by the “rebellion was in the offing” basis of the Arroyo
government in issuing Proclamation 1959. Declaring Martial Law has always
been in President Arroyo’s mind to silence the people’s massive protest
actions against her fascist, corrupt and avid pro-US imperialist
administration, especially at the height of the “hello Garci” and NBN-ZTE
scandals. It is the people’s strong determination to challenge and oppose
Martial Law which forced President Arroyo to withdraw her dictatorial
idea.
The
Maguindanao mass murder, perpetrated by her political allies that she has
actually empowered since she took office in 2001, is another political
scandal and blunder in the Arroyo administration. It is a horrible
scandal that drew worldwide public outrage and condemnation.
The
declaration of Martial Law in Maguindanao is Arroyo’s desperate act to
save face especially in the international community. It is a desperate
way of trying to extricate her administration from the public’s outrage.
President Arroyo wants to create an illusion of being a strong leader who
comes down hard on the Ampatuans, her close and favored political allies,
whom the Department of Justice and the AFP have accused of mounting
rebellion against the Arroyo government.
But President
Arroyo also intends to cover up her own culpability in the November 23
massacre that has implicated the Ampatuans, her most reliable ally in the
province. President Arroyo cannot disengage herself from the Ampatuans
because she, through the government bureaucracy and the military, has
sanctioned the existence of warlords not only in Maguindanao but in many
parts of the country.
The MCPA also
questions the timing of the declaration of Martial Law in Maguindanao.
Proclamation 1946, issued on November 24 proclaiming state of emergency
situation in the provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat and the City
of Cotabato, has already neutralized the Ampatuans’ military and political
power. Mayor Datu Andal Ampatuan Jr, the prime suspect in the gruesome
massacre, has been arrested and detained. The Ampatuan armory of huge
cache of firearms and ammunitions has been discovered and confiscated.
Some 400 firearms believed to be used by the CVOs have been confiscated.
The Ampatuans have already been suspended by the DILG from their local
government positions.
The MCPA
believes there’s other veiled motive in proclaiming Martial Law in
Maguindanao; motive that is deeper than the purpose of ending the
Ampatuans oppressive, corrupt and criminal rule in the ARMM. Viewed
within the context of the coming 2010 elections and given the trails of
electoral fraud associated with the Arroyo administration, the “rebellion
was in the offing” basis of declaring Martial Law in Maguindanao can be
conveniently used in areas considered as election hotspots like Samar,
Bicol, Masbate and other provinces where strong and abusive military
presence is highly challenged by Moro and non-Moro revolutionary groups.
No to Martial
Law!
Oppose Martial
Law in Maguindanao!
End impunity!
Reference: Antonio
Liongson,National Coordinator, Human Rights Program, CP#
09152844654
Militant organizations rally
vs martial law
Atty. Julius Garcia Matibag,
NUPL spokesperson
Renato Reyes, Bayan Secretary
General
Press Statement
December 5, 2009, 12:30 pm
Statement on the declaration of Martial Law in Maguindanao
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo crossed the line.
The declaration of a state of Martial Law in Maguindanao sets a most
dangerous precedent for the nation. Not since September 21, 1972 has there
been any declaration of Martial Law, not even during the years of tumult
under the Aquino, Estrada and, prior to this, the Arroyo regime. For the
first time since 1972, the writ of habeas corpus has been suspended in an
area in the Philippines.
We reiterate our call for justice for the victims of the Ampatuan Massacre
but we cannot support measures that are both dangerous and questionable.
The alleged purpose of Proclamation 1959 is the arrest of the Ampatuan
family members who are implicated in the November 23 Ampatuan, Maguindanao
massacre. The regime justifies the declaration in saying that civilian
institutions, especially the courts, are no longer functioning and that
the dispensation of justice would not be possible.
The Constitution states that Martial Law can only be declared during an
invasion or during a rebellion. The failure of civilian government
institutions, as in the case of the local government offices and courts in
Maguindanao, cannot be used as a pretext for declaring Martial Law. The
difficulty of gathering evidence, securing warrants and enforcing arrests
also cannot be used as a basis for the declaration.
We demand the lifting of Martial Law in Maguindanao and the restoration of
the civilian government institutions. Martial Law cannot solve the problem
of state-sponsored warlordism and violence in the province. Martial Law
will always lead to abuses because those implementing it, the Arroyo
regime, Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National
Police, have very poor human rights records.
The national government must swiftly restore the civilian administrative
and judicial institutions in the province.
If Mrs. Arroyo refuses to lift the declaration, we call on Congress to
exercise its powers to revoke Martial Law. Mrs. Arroyo is required by the
Constitution to report to Congress within 48 hours. It falls on Congress,
though dominated by Arroyo loyalists, to revoke this dangerous
declaration. We must not wait for the maximum 60-day period allowed by the
Constitution for the enforcement of martial rule. The leaders of the Lower
House and Senate must convene within 24 hours to address this issue.
That Martial Law has been declared in a province less than six months
before the national elections raises fresh fears that similar scenarios
can also follow, thus severely undermining the conduct of the 2010 polls
to benefit the incumbent president. We must not allow this scenario to be
replicated in other regions for whatever pretexts. If Arroyo can declare
martial law for reasons not defined in the constitution, imagine what she
can do before the 2010 elections.
The Arroyo regime and its police and military have to be made accountable
for its role in arming the Ampatuan family. The recently discovered arms
cache in the Ampatuan residence shows the complicity of the AFP, PNP and
the regime in supplying weapons to the local warlords. With this kind of
track record, how do you trust the AFP and PNP with the vast powers of
Martial rule? This kind of corruption and complicity cannot be solved by
the declaration of Martial rule. l
We have learned the bitter lessons of Martial Law even as we are acutely
aware of the propensity for abuse by the current regime. As we continue to
demand justice for the victims of the Ampatuan massacre, we call on the
public to remain vigilant at this time against possible abuses on
civilians that may stem from this declaration. ###
Anakapawis Rep. Rafael Marano
Gabriela partylist Rep. Luz
Ilagan
Ken Ramos, Anakpawis
News Statement
December 4, 2009
Reference: Rhonda Ramiro, Secretary-General, BAYAN USA, email:secgen@bayanusa.org
Power, Not Justice, is What Arroyo Seeks With Martial Law
BAYAN USA Urges Phil. Congress to Revoke Proclamation 1959, Demands Obama
Withdraw Support
The US Chapter of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, or BAYAN USA, an alliance of
14 Filipino organizations across the United States is urging Filipinos in
the United States and around the world to heighten their vigilance and
resolve against the Arroyo government's recent declaration of a State of
Martial Law in the Southern Philippine province of Maguindanao. Following
Arroyo's signing of Presidential Proclamation 1959 last Friday, the
Philippine Congress is set to resume on Monday, will review Arroyo's
action, and will vote on it.
"This is not about seeking justice for the victims of the Maguindanao
massacre. This is about taking advantage of what is perhaps the most
insolent election-related act of violence in recent Philippine history to
justify abuse of executive powers," states BAYAN USA Chair Berna Ellorin.
"Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo does nothing but dishonor the 64+ massacred last
November 23rd in Maguindanao by riding on the tragedy to serve her own
narrow interest to cling to power, especially when her Presidential term
must end next year."
No Justice for Maguindanao Massacre Victims Under Arroyo
The alliance chided the Arroyo government's delayed handling of the
Maguindanao massacre as intentional and supported growing calls for a
third party to conduct an impartial, thorough investigation of the crime
scene and ensure swift arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators. But the
lack of timely effort on the Arroyo government's part to go after the
obvious suspects-- the Ampatuan family, a powerful political dynasty that
has ruled Maguindanao for over a decade-- clearly posed roadblocks to
justice.
Nearly two weeks after the massacre, and with only one suspect in custody
who voluntarily surrendered, Arroyo signed Proclamation 1959, placing
Maguindanao province under a State of Martial Law, under the auspices of
arresting the other members of the Ampatuan family and calling them in for
questioning.
"The Arroyos and Ampatuans are close political allies, therefore the
Arroyo government is in no rightful position to present itself as capable
of enacting swift justice, especially in light of key witnesses coming
forward confirming their long-time political patronage included the sales
of arms, arms that were used to kill last week," Ellorin added.
"Declaring martial law does not negate the Arroyo government's policy of
impunity for perpetrators of human rights abuses," Ellorin continued. "It
is a means to mask the Arroyo government's own culpability in the massacre
itself and consolidate power through military rule under a military
well-documented for sowing the country's human rights crisis with the
assistance of US military aid."
Obama Standing on the Wrong Side of History?
Since it's founding in 2005, BAYAN USA has been actively campaigning for
the withdrawal of US military aid to the Philippines, which account for
the training, advising, and arming of the Philippine military under
Arroyo. A US Senate hearing in 2007 raised concerns that funding from the
US government was directly linked to rampant pattern of state-sponsored
killings and disappearances of critics
of the Arroyo government.
Referring to his now-famous inaugural words criticizing world leaders who
"cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of
dissent," the alliance also welcomed the Obama administration last January
in Washington DC with calls to withdraw all forms of support to the Arroyo
government for its proven track record in corruption, fraud, and gross
human rights violations.
"If Obama stands with Arroyo's proclamation of Martial Law, he is no
different than Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan whose support for the former
dictator Ferdinand Marcos fostered and enabled a dark period in Philippine
history when warrantless arrests, torture, and assassinations were routine
for the ruling military but terrorizing for the Filipino people," Ellorin
claimed. "The international community, especially US tax payers, play a
role in pressuring both the US and Philippine governments to ensure the
lifting of martial law in Maguindanao, an end to policy of impunity for
human rights abusers in the Philippines, and that justice for the victims
of the Maguindanao massacre is truly obtained void of the Arroyo
government's handling. ###
National Union of Peoples' Lawyers
‘Martial law and suspension of writ privilege’:
No sufficient factual basis, patently illegal, a brazen abuse of
president’s power
National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers to file Petition in Supreme Court on
Monday
“President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has gone berserk.”
This is the reaction of human rights law group National Union of Peoples’
Lawyers (NUPL) on the president’s issuance of Proclamation No. 1959
proclaiming a state of martial law and suspending the privilege of the
writ of habeas corpus in the province of Maguindanao.
It is elementary in political law that such declaration and suspension may
be made only ‘in case of invasion or rebellion’ and only ‘when the public
safety requires it,’ under Article VII, Section 18 of the 1987 Philippine
Constitution.
The proclamation’s third whereas clause merely invokes an element of
rebellion of “depriving the Chief Executive or the Legislature, wholly or
partially, of any of their powers or prerogatives.”
The proclamation’s fourth whereas clause simply says, “WHEREAS, heavily
armed groups in the province of Maguindanao have established positions to
resist government troops, thereby depriving the Executive of its powers
and prerogatives to enforce the laws of the land and to maintain public
order and safety.”
That is all there is to it. The proclamation did not even bother to state
the particulars about the identity, extent and purpose or purposes of
these ‘heavily armed groups’. How could we ascertain if the president is
indeed telling us the truth?
And even assuming that the president is telling us the truth this time,
the ‘presence’ of heavily armed groups in the area does not necessarily
mean that there is already rebellion.
The gravamen of the felony of rebellion is the armed public uprising
against the government, as clearly defined in Article 134 of the Revised
Penal Code, “Rebellion or insurrection; How committed. — The
crime of rebellion or insurrection is committed by rising publicly and
taking arms against the Government for the purpose of removing from the
allegiance to said Government or its laws, the territory of the Philippine
Islands or any part thereof, of any body of land, naval or other armed
forces, depriving the Chief Executive or the Legislature, wholly or
partially, of any of their powers or prerogatives.”
More importantly, the powers and prerogatives of the president as the
chief executive or of the legislature have never been deprived to them
since the Ampatuan town massacre happened. Thus, there is no rebellion to
speak of. In fact, the president has already invoked and exercised as
commander-in-chief her ‘calling out power’ after the Ampatuan town
massacre when the president has called out the armed forces to prevent or
suppress lawless violence in the province.
The ‘calling out power’ is entirely different from the president’s ‘powers
to declare martial law and suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas
corpus ’.
There has never been such deprivation of powers or prerogatives of the
chief executive or the legislature. The president had even time to file
her certificate of candidacy to run as member of the House of
Representatives in next year’s elections. So where did Malacañang get the
idea of such deprivation of powers or prerogatives?
Not only does the president have to prove that rebellion indeed exists,
she likewise has to prove that ‘public safety requires’ the declaration of
martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas
corpus .
Public safety in the area can be ensured even without such declaration and
suspension. The president’s exercise of her ‘calling out power’ is more
than enough to prevent or suppress any lawless violence or even a supposed
rebellion, if any. There is no need for the president to invoke and
exercise her highest and extraordinary powers: the ‘martial law power’ and
the ‘power to suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus ’.
Worse, the text of Proclamation No. 1959 is clearly bereft of any
sufficient factual basis for such declaration and suspension. This is an
unequivocal and brazen abuse of the president’s powers under the
Constitution, plain and simple. Hence, it is very obvious that
Malacañang’s ‘factual basis’ is not true at all. The president is testing
the outer limits of the Constitution; the president is playing fire with
fundamental freedoms by placing the military above civilian authorities.
We remind the president and state security forces that a state of martial
law does not suspend the operation of the Constitution. Thus, warrantless
arrests of any person must still be through a lawful cause. And given the
record of the military in human rights abuses, we must ensure that no
torture or cruel or degrading treatment will be inflicted against anyone
that may be arrested.
A person may be detained for a period of three (3) days without even being
charged due to the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas
corpus .
The president’s exercise of the ‘martial law and suspension of writ
privilege powers’ is a patent indication that the president is a
megalomaniac, a person obsessed with wealth and power. As the president’s
term and immunity from suit shall expire at noon
of June 30, 2010 and plunder cases and human rights abuses shall certainly
be immediately filed against her, it is not impossible for her to think
about placing the entire country under martial law to perpetuate herself
in power and avoid punishment for her crimes.
If she desires to be another Marcos, she will fail. The people will ensure
it.
This coming Monday, we shall immediately file a petition before the
Supreme Court to question Malacañang’s sufficiency of the factual basis of
the proclamation of martial law and suspension of the privilege of the
writ of habeas corpus .
Atty. Julius Garcia Matibag
0927.9293089
ALLIANCE OF CONCERNED TEACHERS
2/F Napoleon Pornasdoro Bldg., Mines St. cor. Dipolog St., Bgy. VASRA,
Quezon City, Philippines
Telefax 453-9116 Mobile 0920-9220817 Email act_philippines@yahoo.com
Website www.actphils.com
Member, Education International
December 5, 2009
PRESS STATEMENT
Reference: Antonio L. Tinio (0920-9220817)
ACT Chairperson
Statement on Arroyo’s declaration of martial law in Maguindanao
We vehemently condemn Pres. Gloria Arroyo for declaring martial law and
suspending the writ of habeas corpus in Maguindanao, ostensibly to enable
the authorities to carry out justice for the Ampatuan massacre.
We are one with the public in demanding justice for the victims of
Ampatuan. Not only must those directly responsible be swiftly brought to
justice, but Malacanang, the military and the police must also be held
accountable for coddling and arming the Ampatuan clan named as responsible
for the massacre. However, we cannot allow Malacanang to use our outrage
at the massacre to justify this dangerous and unconstitutional declaration
of martial law.
We are outraged that Mrs. Arroyo and her clique are exploiting one of the
most gruesome mass murders in recent history and the widespread public
outcry for justice as the pretext for this unwarranted abuse of
presidential power. Yet again, the Arroyo regime is demonstrating its
utter disrespect for democratic institutions and sheer disregard for the
norms of human decency.
The declaration of martial law and the suspension of the writ of habeas
corpus are allowed by the Constitution only in cases of invasion or
rebellion. Neither of these are present in Maguindanao. Arroyo’s
Proclamation 1959 is therefore unjustifiable and unconstitutional. As
such, it violates the civil liberties of the citizens of Maguindanao and
sets the stage for more and graver human rights abuses by state security
forces, already notorious internationally for their appalling track record
of brutality.
Furthermore, by setting the bar for the declaration of martial law at an
absurdly low level, the Arroyo regime is setting a dangerous precedent
that could pose a threat to the May 2010 elections and the
constitutionally-mandated transition to a new government. In the waning
days of her presidential term, Mrs. Arroyo has amply demonstrated that she
is desperate to stay in power, recently declaring her candidacy for a
congressional seat in Pampanga with the avowed aim of pushing for charter
change.
We call on Congress to immediately convene and revoke Proclamation 1959.
We call on the public to mobilize and be vigilant as this regimes
desperately maneuvers to maintain its hold on power beyond 2010. We
reiterate our call for the ouster of Gloria Arroyo. #
=
==
NEWS RELEASE
5 December 2009
Maguindanao ML, master stroke for whitewash – KMU
Militant labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno today called on the Filipino
workers and people to act immediately to oppose Mrs. Arroyo’s declaration
of Martial Law in Maguindanao, saying the move is “the master stroke for
the grand whitewash” of the investigation into the recent massacre in the
province.
Citing the alleged massing up of armed elements in various points of
Maguindanao, which follows reports that weapons sufficient to arm more
than 1,000 troops have been uncovered in the province, Mrs. Arroyo
declared Martial Law in Maguindanao this morning. She cited provisions of
the Constitution allowing the president to declare Martial Law to prevent
“lawless violence.”
”This is the master stroke for the grand whitewash of the investigation
into the massacre. With Martial Law in place, even for a few days, the
situation in the province will be controlled, and evidence pointing to the
Ampatuan political clan can now be covered up. This is the backhoe that
will dig up the grave where the evidence will be dumped,” said Elmer
“Bong” Labog, KMU chairperson.
”The Filipino workers and people believe Mrs. Arroyo is doing this to
protect the Ampatuans, her precious political ally in the province and
region. Mrs. Arroyo, through her spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo, has
affirmed her loyalty to the clan as allies. She cannot, after all, drop
the Ampatuans because they played a major role in the electoral fraud
which she perpetrated in 2004,” added Labog.
The labor center likewise said that it is the workers and people of
Maguindanao who will be the victims of the Martial Law, not the
masterminds of the massacre.
”We fear for the workers and people of Maguindanao. The Arroyo regime has
always been known for disrespecting and trampling on the political and
civil liberties of workers and people. To show that it means business in
preempting or quelling lawless violence in the province, it will cause
deaths and damage there. It is the workers and people who will suffer, not
the Ampatuans,” Labog said.
KMU also said that with the declaration of Martial Law in the province,
Mrs. Arroyo is again using a national tragedy to advance her political
interests.
”Mrs. Arroyo is doing this to advance her political interests. First, she
wants to counter the national and international perception that she is
going slow and soft on the Ampatuans. Second, she wants to thwart the
publicizing of evidence – including election paraphernalia, which may have
fueled the regime’s panic – being uncovered in the province, which
continues to fuel the still-mounting outrage of the workers and people at
the massacre and the regime,” said Labog.
”Third, she wants to test the waters for the nationwide declaration of
Martial Law – which is still an unused weapon in her armory of tactics for
avoiding prosecution and punishment for her grave crimes against the
Filipino workers and people. This remains her overriding obsession at
present,” Labog added.
”This is the reason why the Filipino workers and people should act
immediately to oppose the Martial Law in Maguindanao. We must make it
clear to the regime that we will not take another Martial Law sitting
down, that we will resist it with all our might, and that the person who
will declare it will end in the same way that former dictator Ferdinand
Marcos did – in disgrace,” Labog concluded. #
Proclamation 1959 a menacing cloud poised
to unleash the worst of tragedies in Philippine democracy
Kabataan Partylist strongly rejects the declaration of martial law in
Maguindanao.
Proclamation 1959 is a dangerous precedent to the impending 2010
elections. Unless it is immediately revoked, its implications to the
national elections hover over the Filipino people like a menacing cloud
poised to unleash the worst of tragedies in Philippine democracy.
The declaration of martial law in Maguindanao is a completely unnecessary
move if the Arroyo administration genuinely intends to bring to justice
the wrongdoers in the Maguindanao massacre. Its real motives, thus, are
subject to suspicion.
Martial law in Mindanao is not an answer to police incompetence. The
government is bound by law to resolve this matter via due process and to
ensure that all constitutional processes prevail. That Malacanang now
attests that Maguindanao is in a 'state of rebellion' after a handful of
arrests and after appointing DILG Sec. Ronaldo Puno as acting
officer-in-charge in the province is proof that authorities have exercised
ineffectiveness and lack of political will.
In declaring martial law in Maguindanao, the government is trying to
deflect public outrage against its inability to bring meaningful
resolution to the gruesome crime, and its culpability by tolerating the
Ampatuans' warlordism and creation of private armies. It has failed
miserably in exercising authority over a monster of its very own making or
it is now attempting to distance itself from the same monster by now
depicting the Amptuans as `outlaws and rebels out of their control.'
Furthermore, martial law in Maguindanao cannot hope to resolve rampant
warlordism in the province. What the government is now tasked to do with
haste is to thoroughly investigate all evidence - especially the
unearthing of high-powered weapons and ammunition bearing the labels of
the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police in
the backyard of the Ampatuans. This, if anything, is glaring proof that
the Ampatuans had at their disposal the services and arms of the local
military and police.
We demand that the Arroyo administration restore all civilian government
bodies in Maguindanao.
We, likewise, implore members of Congress to exercise their power to
revoke Proclamation 1959. Any truly meaningful and sincere resolution to
the murders should be done with constraint, sobriety and without political
ties. Let us perform our legislative powers for the resolution of the
Ampatuan massacre, and not to aggravate it by granting full military
powers to elements perceived to have coddled, harbored and allowed
violence to run rampant in Maguindanao in the first place.
Lastly, we call on all Filipino youth and the people to remain vigilant
against any moves and measures that undermine and attempt to violate our
civil liberties. History has taught us to unite against dictatorship, to
resist tyranny at all costs.
This time, we will unite and we will most definitely resist. As we
continue to demand justice for the victims of the Ampatuan massacre and
accountability for coddlers of warlords and political armies, we call on
all Filipino youth to resound in the call, "Never again to martial law".
KABATAAN PARTYLIST
Miogrante International
5 December 2009
For IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Reference: Garry Martinez, Chairperson, 09217229740
Ailyn Abdula, Media Officer, 09212708994
OFWs join calls for the lifting of martial law in Maguindanao
‘Arroyo and the military have no moral authority to rule’ –Migrante
Migrante International today called for the immediate lifting of martial
law in Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato City, saying that the
move betrays how President Arroyo is less concerned with the dispensation
of justice for the Ampatuan massacre victims than with consolidating her
power through military rule.
“We have received messages of concern from OFWs around the world, who
think that Arroyo’s game plan is to use the situation in Maguindanao to
spread martial law across the country. This is of course something that
will be opposed by freedom-loving Filipinos all over the world,” said
Garry Martinez, Migrante International chairperson.
The group believes that the military and police forces do not have the
moral authority to be accorded blanket authority over the said provinces,
given that the investigation shows their culpability in the massacre.
Recently, weapons owned by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were
dug up near the Ampatuan’s mansion. Several military and police auxiliary
forces are under investigation.
“In the first place, the Ampatuan massacre happened precisely because the
AFP and PNP allowed itself to be used by warlords in executing brutal
crimes against the people. Meanwhile, Arroyo has given its political
allies, the Ampatuans, free reign to terrorize the province for the
longest time. How can we now believe her claim that martial law is being
declared for the sake of law and order?
“This is the height of insensitivity to the victims of the massacre, and
the height of Arroyo’s bloodthirsty quest for power,” said Martinez.
He added that, “The reason that ‘local judicial system and other
government mechanisms in the province are not functioning,’ as stated in
the martial law declaration, is because these are paralyzed by fear of the
prevailing power of the gun. Martial law will only reinforce this power,
and multiply the fear,” said Martinez.
Migrante International calls for the resumption of civilian authority in
Maguindanao. The group also said that OFWs will remain vigilant against
the tyranny and culture of impunity under the Arroyo government.###
Press Statement
05 December 2009
EMJP: No to Martial Law in Maguindanao! Never again to Martial Law!
The Ecumenical Movement for Justice and Peace (EMJP), a church-based human
rights group adds its voice to the increasing condemnation against the GMA
government’s declaration of martial law in Maguindanao “for the purpose of
arresting the Ampatuans”.
We can’t help but ask: why martial law in Maguindanao, and against the
Ampatuans? Is it because Maguindanao and the Ampatuans means GMA’s
presidency?
With “discovery” of arms and ammunition that bore the name of the Armed
Forces of Philippines (AFP), GMA has found a convenient excuse, and
declared martial law in Maguindanao, to dissociate herself and her
government from the Ampatuan family, a known ally and supporter.
But there’s no escape. We reiterate the GMA regime’s responsibility for
the carnage that has killed 57 people by arming and allowing this powerful
clan lord over the province of Maguindanao. The victims of the massacre
last November 23 may just be the tip of the iceberg. We do not even know
how many others have been killed, maimed or victimized by this warlord
family that is solidly backed by GMA herself.
As an organization established during the period of the Marcos
dictatorship, we in EMJP are alarmed over this recent development and fear
for the safety and lives of the people in Maguindanao. History has shown
us that martial law only resulted to thousands of Filipinos killed;
hundreds disappeared, tortured and detained – a record that the Arroyo
regime is trying to duplicate with its own data of 1,1118 victims of
extra-judicial killings and 204 victims of enforced disappearances.
The recent declaration may sow fear among the people in Maguindao and the
rest of the Filipinos. But now is not the time to be afraid, now is the
time to show dissent and opposition to the actions that this treacherous
and murderous regime has committed against the Filipino people. We call
for the withdrawal of this declaration. No to Martial law in Maguindanao!
Never again to martial law!
Reference:
Girlie T. Padilla
(09088942837)
EMJP Secretary General
Martial Law is Not a Substitute for
Competent Police Work:
Statement on the Reported Proclamation of Martial Law in Maguindanao
Marvic M.V.F. Leonen
Dean and Professor of Law
University of the Philippines
The heinous massacre of civilians in Ampatuan, Maguindanao deserves
competence of the highest order in the gathering, preserving and
evaluation of evidence as well as in the subsequent arrest and prosecution
of its perpetrators. It should also be the platform for a sober approach
that will comprehensively address the issue of private armies of misguided
politicians. Any meaningful solution should be led by civilians preferably
those who can remain independent of influence from national public
officials who have openly declared partisan interests in the upcoming
election.
The reported declaration of Martial Law in Maguindanao should be assessed
in this light as well as in terms of its compliance with the very
stringent requirements contained in the 1987 Constitution.
The President should also observe an extraordinary level of transparency
and accountability with this declaration. She must clearly demonstrate why
martial law needs to be declared. The proclamation of Martial Law can be
used as a means to gain unfair advantage in the upcoming elections or as
an excuse to declare a failure of elections contrary to the people’s will.
The need for transparency and accountability is even more urgent given the
unnecessary proclamation from the spokespersons of the Office of the
President that the incumbent has remained “friends” with those widely
suspected of having committed the atrocities in Mindanao. The need for
transparency and accountability is also necessary in the light of the role
of the suspected perpetrators in the controversies surrounding the 2004
elections.
Under the 1987 Constitution, martial law can only be declared in cases of
invasion or rebellion and only when public safety demands it. Rebellion
requires that there is at least a taking up of arms publicly directed
against an existing government. Martial law cannot be declared because the
state has failed to prevent massive human rights violations by leaders
that the national government itself has nurtured. Martial law cannot be
proclaimed to cover up the lack of professional competence in the
gathering, preservation, evaluation of evidence and in the arrest and
detention of the perpetrators. Martial law is also not the proper legal
response to the issuance of a writ of amparo in favor of the Ampatuan
family.
A report on how the proclamation was executed must be made within 48 hours
of its proclamation to both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Congress must convene within 24 hours after it is proclaimed. Any
proclamation of martial law by the President can only have a maximum
effectivity of 60 days. This can be revoked (or extended) by Congress. Any
revocation by Congress cannot be overturned by the President. In case
martial law has been proclaimed, the electoral ambitions of all members of
the House of Representatives and the Senate should be put aside so that
they can observe their obligations required in the Constitution.
The proclamation of martial law does not supplant the civilian
bureaucracy. It does not supplant the operation of the Constitution
including its provisions for the protection of individual and collective
rights. It does not supplant the operations of local government nor the
fact that local governance is subject to existing law. Martial law does
not automatically suspend the writ of habeas corpus or justify illegal
arrests and detention. In other words, it is not authority for the
Commander in Chief or the military to replace civilian government.
Certainly, the public should be encouraged to engage the courts should
there be any violation of any provision of law or the constitution.
Abuse of executive privilege will only tarnish the memories of those who
have been martyred by the violent excesses of misguided public officials.
I call for vigilance for competent, transparent, accountable government as
well as for the protection of human rights of peoples in Mindanao.
Quezon City, December 5, 2009
Provisions in Article VII of the 1987 Constitution
“Sec. 18. The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all armed
forces of the Philippines and whenever it becomes necessary, he may call
out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or
rebellion. In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety
requires it, he may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend the
privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any
part thereof under martial law. Within forty-eight hours from the
proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of writ of
habeas corpus, the President shall submit a report in person or in writing
to the Congress. The Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at least a
majority of all its Members in regular or special session, may revoke such
proclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be set aside by the
President. Upon the initiative of the President, the Congress may, in the
same manner, extend such proclamation or suspension for a period to be
determined by the Congress, if the invasion or rebellion shall persist and
public safety requires it.
“The Congress, if not in session, shall, within twenty-four hours
following such proclamation or suspension, convene in accordance with its
rules without any need of a call.
“The Supreme Court may review, in an appropriate proceeding filed by any
citizen, the sufficiency of the factual basis of the proclamation of
martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas
corpus or the extension thereof, and must promulgate its decision thereon
within thirty days from its filing.
“A state of martial law does not suspend the operation of the
Constitution, nor supplant the functioning of the civil courts or the
legislative assemblies, nor authorize the conferment of jurisdiction on
military courts and agencies over civilians where civil courts are able to
function, nor automatically suspend the privilege of the writ.
“The suspension of the privilege of the writ shall apply only to persons
judicially charged for rebellion or offenses inherent in or directly
connected with the invasion.
“During the suspension of the privilege of the writ, any person thus
arrested or detained shall be judicially charged within three days,
otherwise he shall be released.”
PRESS RELEASE
Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines
Martial law in Maguindanao: Another turn in Arroyo's power play--CPP
December 6, 2009
The Communist Party of the Philippines said today that "Arroyo's
Proclamation 1959, which placed most of Maguindanao under martial law, is
just another turn in Arroyo's continuing power play.
"Malacañang continues to plot and improvise more schemes to perpetuate
itself in power in the face of the setbacks it has been encountering with
its original plan," said the CPP. "Initially, Malacañang's knee-jerk
response to the Ampatuan massacre was to protect and save an ally to which
the Arroyo regime is greatly indebted for having played a major role in
ensuring a lead of one million votes for Arroyo in the 2004 presidential
elections and delivering a 12-0 win for Malacañang's 'Team Unity' in the
2007 senatorial elections. The Ampatuan clan has also been fending off the
Moro Islamic Liberation Front forces from their bailiwicks in Maguindanao.
However, evidence has been building up undeniably pointing to the guilt of
the Ampatuans. Numerous witnesses have given undeniable testimonies and
too many guns and ammunition have been discovered in and near the Ampatuan
mansions. Public denunciations nationwide and abroad against the massacre
have grown too much to ignore or belittle, said the CPP.
"All this," the CPP added, "is further isolating the Arroyo regime and
pulling down further the electoral chances of its Lakas-Kampi-CMD national
slate. Malacañang's only choice now is to save its own skin and make the
most out of the situation to plot more dirty, insidious and violent
schemes to ensure the perpetuation of its hold on power."
"Arroyo justifies her martial law
proclamation by positing a self-contradictory claim," said the CPP. She
says that the presence of 'heavily armed groups in the province of
Maguindanao that have established positions to resist government troops'
constitutes rebellion. But she was referring to the areas controlled by
traditional feudal warlord politicos, where rebellion is not at all
present. On the other hand, she excluded the areas being held by the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front, where the real rebellion is based, the CPP
elaborated.
"Arroyo declared martial law in Maguindanao to make it easier for her
regime to do what it can there without legal encumbrances, including the
ease of ensuring at the very least that the province and region's total
delivery of 'command' votes for Arroyo's candidates will continue," the
CPP elaborated further.
"Worse, there are more sinister aftermaths to Arroyo's declaration of
martial law in Maguidanao," warned the CPP. "It may serve as a trial
balloon and precursor to the duplication or expansion of such a move in
other places and at the national scale. More 'bombings' and other forms of
justifications for a wider scope of martial law can take place in other
areas, as have suddenly taken place in Jolo. The 'no
election-and-transition rule' scenario is becoming more and more a
reality," the CPP warned.
Reference:
Marco Valbuena
Media Officer
Cellphone Numbers: 09156596802 :: 09282242061 E-mail:cppmedia@gmail.com
NOVEMBER 23 MOVEMENT
No to Martial Law
We absolutely oppose the imposition of martial law in Maguindanao and,
prospectively, anywhere else in the country.
We believe that, with the severe restrictions on freedoms it imposes, on
the one hand, and the wide latitude of police, military, and official
powers it allows, on the other, martial law will only compound the
troubles it has been precisely intended to deal with.
Indeed, we believe that normal powers exercised by a decisive,
strong-willed, and well-intentioned leadership are enough to bring the
perpetrators of the November 23 massacre in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao, to
justice.
History offers clear, powerful, and painful enough lessons in the
deceptive promises of martial law: It has been used for repression,
instead of justice.
The November 23 Movement
The November 23 Movement is a coalition of media organizations and groups
are calling for accountability and swift justice to the slain journalists
and other victims of the Ampatuan Massacre.
Members:
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines
Business World
Center for Community Journalism and Development
Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility
College Editors Guild of the Philippines
Davao Today
Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists
Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Philippine Human Rights Reporting Project
Philippine Press Institute
Pinoy Weekly
Southeast Asia Press Alliance
VERA Files
***********************************************************************
NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES
www.nujp.wordpress.com
105-A Scout Castor Street (near Morato Avenue)
Quezon City, Philippines
Tel.: (+632) 4117768
Email: nujphil@gmail.com
WHEN WE SAID NEVER AGAIN, WE MEANT IT
Theodore Te
Which part of "Never Again" did you fail to
understand?
The decretal portion of Proc 1959, as read by the Executive Secretary:
THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, PRESIDENT OF RP, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM
AS FOLLOWS:
SEC. 1 - THERE IS HEREBY DECLARED A STATE OF MARTIAL LAW IN THE PROVINCE
OF MAGUINDANAO
EXCEPT FOR THE IDENTIFIED AREAS OF THE MORO ISLAMIC LIBERATION FRONT AS
REFERRED TO IN THE
IMPLEMENTING OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES OF THE GRP-MILF AGREEMENT ON THE
GENERAL CESSATION OF HOSTLITIES.
SEC. 2 - THE PRIVILEGE OF THE WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS WILL LIKEWISE BE
SUSPENDED IN THE SAID AREAS FOR THE DURATION OF THE STATE OF MARTIAL LAW.
DONE IN THE CITY OF MANILA, THIS 4TH DAY OF DECEMEBER, 2009. SIGNED,
GLORIA M. ARROYO.
What is immediately apparent is that there is no period specified and none
of the grounds in the Constitution would fit--unless these grounds are yet
to happen according to good old military inteligence.
Meantime, it is left to both Houses of Congress--this time clearly voting
jointly (ehem ehem ehem, can you say "cha cha" as well as "choo choo"?)--and
the 93% Gloria-appointed Court to decide on this issue.
------------
The relevant portion of the 1987 Constitution (which, if you put side by
side with the proclamation, will clearly show the infirmity of the
declaration) --
"ART. VI, SECTION 18. The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all
armed forces of the Philippines and whenever it becomes necessary, he may
call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence,
invasion or rebellion. In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public
safety requires it, he may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend
the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any
part thereof under martial law. Within forty-eight hours from the
proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ
of habeas corpus, the President shall submit a report in person or in
writing to the Congress. The Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at
least a majority of all its Members in regular or special session, may
revoke such proclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be set
aside by the President. Upon the initiative of the President, the Congress
may, in the same manner, extend such proclamation or suspension for a
period to be determined by the Congress, if the invasion or rebellion
shall persist and public safety requires it.
The Congress, if not in session, shall, within twenty-four hours following
such proclamation or suspension, convene in accordance with its rules
without any need of a call.
The Supreme Court may review, in an appropriate proceeding filed by any
citizen, the sufficiency of the factual basis of the proclamation of
martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ or the
extension thereof, and must promulgate its decision thereon within thirty
days from its filing.
A state of martial law does not suspend the operation of the Constitution,
nor supplant the functioning of the civil courts or legislative
assemblies, nor authorize the conferment of jurisdiction on military
courts and agencies over civilians where civil courts are able to
function, nor automatically suspend the privilege of the writ.
The suspension of the privilege of the writ shall apply only to persons
judicially charged for rebellion or offenses inherent in or directly
connected with the invasion.
During the suspension of the privilege of the writ, any person thus
arrested or detained shall be judicially charged within three days,
otherwise he shall be released."
Join
Filipinos in the US, as we say NO to Martial Law in Maguindanao!
(scroll down to join
in our December 10th, celebration of International Human Rights Day with
art and performances. We will be staging a 5 minute die-in to represent
the over 1,073 killed under the Arroyo administration.)
BAYAN USA Press
Statement
December 5, 2009
The declaration of a state of Martial Law in Maguindanao sets a most
dangerous precedent for the nation. Not since September 21, 1972 has
there been any declaration of Martial Law, not even during the years of
tumult under the Aquino, Estrada and, prior to this, the Arroyo regime.
For the first time since 1972, the writ of habeas corpus has been
suspended in an area in the Philippines.
We reiterate our call for justice for the victims of the Ampatuan
Massacre but we cannot support measures that are both dangerous and
questionable.
The alleged purpose of Proclamation 1959 is the arrest of the Ampatuan
family members who are implicated in the November 23 Ampatuan,
Maguindanao massacre. The regime justifies the declaration in saying
that civilian institutions, especially the courts, are no longer
functioning and that the dispensation of justice would not be possible.
The Constitution says Martial Law can only be declared during an
invasion or during a rebellion. The failure of civilian government
institutions, as in the case of the local government offices and courts
in Maguindanao, cannot be used as a pretext for declaring Martial Law.
The difficulty of gathering evidence, securing warrants and enforcing
arrests also cannot be used as a basis for the declaration.
We demand the
lifting of Martial Law in Maguindanao and the restoration of the
civilian government institutions. Martial Law cannot solve the problem
of state-sponsored warlordism and violence in the province. Martial Law
will always lead to abuses because those implementing it, the Armed
Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, have very
poor human rights records.
The national government must endeavor to restore the civilian
administrative and judicial institutions in the province.
If Mrs. Arroyo
refuses to lift the declaration, we call on Congress to exercise its
powers to revoke Martial Law. Mrs. Arroyo is required by the
Constitution to report to Congress within 48 hours. It falls on
Congress, though dominated by Arroyo loyalists, to revoke this dangerous
declaration. We must not wait for the maximum 60-day period allowed by
the Constitution for the enforcement of martial rule. The leaders of the
Lower House and Senate must convene within 24 hours to address this
issue.
That Martial Law has been declared in a province less than six months
before the national elections raises fresh fears that similar scenarios
can also follow, thus severely undermining the conduct of the 2010
polls. We must not allow this scenario to be replicated in other regions
for whatever pretexts.
The Arroyo regime and its police and military have to be made
accountable for its role in arming the Ampatuan family. The recently
discovered arms cache in the Ampatuan residence shows the complicity of
the AFP, PNP and the regime in supplying weapons to the local warlords.
With this kind of track record, how do you trust the AFP and PNP with
the vast powers of Martial rule? This kind of corruption and complicity
cannot be solved by the declaration of Martial rule.
We have learned the bitter lessons of Martial Law even as we are acutely
aware of the propensity for abuse by the current regime. As we continue
to demand justice for the victims of the Ampatuan massacre, we call on
the public to remain vigilant at this time against possible abuses on
civilians that may stem from this declaration. ##
BRO . EDDIE SCORES GMA MARTIAL LAW MOVE
Bangon Pilipinas Party's Bro. Eddie Villanueva on Saturday scored
Proclamation No. 1959 declaring Martial Law in Maguindanao, calling on
Filipinos all over the world to be vigilant on Malacanang's next move and
adding that it has a chilling effect not only on the country but on the
whole world as well.
Under Proclamation No. 1959, the privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus
has also been effectively suspended.
Villanueva averred that "all that the Arroyo administration has to do to
ensure peace is to disarm and disband the political warlord elites of
Maguindanao province, arrest all the suspected perpetrators of the
masssacre and place all the Ampatuans in local government under preventive
suspension to ensure a speedy, impartial investigation and prosecution of
the accused."
"What is being sought by martial law that cannot be achieved by these
routinely available measures in achieving the substantive ends of
justice?" he asked.
Villanueva said the constitution only allowed two instances for the
declaration of martial law or suspension of the writ of habeas Corpus –
when there is “rebellion or invasion.”
“Even in both instances (rebellion or invasion), martial law can only be
declared when public safety demands. In this case, we believe the strict
enforcement of the law is sufficient. Warrants have been served and
armaments have been discovered and duly confiscated,” he pointed out.
"Besides there in no threat of anarchy, insurrection or rebellion or
imminent danger that serves as objective basis for martial law. If the
violence there is politically-based, what the government must do is to
order the strict and swift enforcement of the law," Villanueva explained.
He said the declaration was uncalled for because there are no bombings or
insurgents involved in the grisly incident and the people being tagged as
suspects in the killings are known allies of the Arroyo administration.
“Since Proclamation 1959 is not necessary, are we seeing a shadow of
things to come? Practice ba ito?” Villanueva asked.
He also said that if the president can proclaim martial rule in
Maguindanao, she can also do it in other provinces using bases not allowed
by the Constitution.
Further, Villanueva expressed doubts on why Arroyo has declared martial
law in Maguindanao. "There is something insidious about GMA’s move in
suspending the liberties of the people towards the end of her term -- when
the election for her successor is drawing near."
Proclamation No. 1959 was announced by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita
at 7 a.m. today, Saturday. It takes effect in Maguindanao except for
certain areas identified as Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)
bailiwicks. (30)
NOVEMBER
23 MOVEMENT
No to Martial Law
We absolutely oppose the imposition of martial law in Maguindanao and,
prospectively, anywhere else in the country.
We believe that, with the severe restrictions on freedoms it imposes, on
the one hand, and the wide latitude of police, military, and official
powers it allows, on the other, martial law will only compound the
troubles it has been precisely intended to deal with.
Indeed, we believe that normal powers exercised by a decisive,
strong-willed, and well-intentioned leadership are enough to bring the
perpetrators of the November 23 massacre in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao, to
justice.
History offers clear, powerful, and painful enough lessons in the
deceptive promises of martial law: It has been used for repression,
instead of justice.
The November 23 Movement
The November 23 Movement is a coalition of media organizations and groups
are calling for accountability and swift justice to the slain journalists
and other victims of the Ampatuan Massacre.
Members:
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines
Business World
Center for Community Journalism and Development
Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility
College Editors Guild of the Philippines
Davao Today
Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists
Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Philippine Human Rights Reporting Project
Philippine Press Institute
Pinoy Weekly
Southeast Asia Press Alliance
VERA Files
***********************************************************************
NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES
www.nujp.wordpress.com
105-A Scout Castor Street (near Morato Avenue)
Quezon City, Philippines
Tel.: (+632) 4117768
Email: nujphil@gmail.com
