Argumentative Essay

Martial Law

Martial law is the temporary imposition of military rule in times of war or serious national emergencies. As of now, countries such as Egypt, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Russia are under the rule of martial law. In the Philippine History, it was September 21, 1972 when the life of every Filipino changed and for some turned into darkness. President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos signed the Proclamation No. 1081 and declared that the entire Republic of the Philippines is under martial law. Nowadays, news are spread all over the country that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo nearly declared martial law.

Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia once said that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will declare martial law if they were unable to get at least three-fourths vote to approve the constitution. He also told that during the siege of Peninsula Manila back in November 2007, Arroyo nearly imposed martial law. Later then, he said that it was also part of the plan to impose martial law during the height of the “ Hello Garci scandal “ back in 2005. ( Philippine Daily Inquirer, 2009) For some, they believed that it should not be implemented once again, but for others it should be.

During the Marcos regime, a lot of rules and regulations were implemented. A curfew of twelve midnight until four in the morning was imposed. Everyone was prohibited to stay outside his residence during these hours. Anyone who violates will be arrested and be brought to the nearest military camp. He will be released before 12 noon the next day and if reasons were found for him to stay longer, he will be taken to the nearest prison camp. Rallies and any form of group actions were banned. Anyone who violates will be arrested and will not be released until the president has ordered. However, reviews regarding professionals and education, seminars, civic and business meetings, simple religious ceremonies or other similar activities are allowed. Everyone is prohibited to bring firearms and deadly weapons outside his residence. Thus, these must be kept at home. Travel abroad was banned and only government officials, employees, scholars with important business outside the country are exempted. Vehicles with tinted glass windows and windshield are not allowed. Jeep, six-by-six trucks, weapons carriers, power wagons, armored trucks should not be painted with military colors. Even military colors such as army olive green, pc buff, navy gray, air forces royal blue are prohibited. Also, the used of sirens, bells, horns, whistles, dome lights are not allowed. Possession of subversive reading materials and other anti-government materials is punishable with all days of imprisonment. Spreading of falls information that may threaten people is strictly forbidden. Violators will be punished by imprisonment.

Nowadays, the Philippines is indeed suffering from global financial crisis and economical issues. Filipinos are bothered if the 2010 elections will be push through or President Arroyo will still stay longer in her position. There are a lot of rallies and protest against the Arroyo administration. Would this give the government a reason to implement martial law once more? A respondent said that martial law should be implemented in the Philippines for most of the people now do not pay respect to the government. They keep on protesting and blaming the government for all crisis that they are suffering. Constitution section 18 states that the president may suspend the writ of habeas corpus for a term not exceeding sixty days if there are rebellions or invasions happening and the public safety needs it. Martial law is just one way to stop the continuous bombings in Mindanao and threats that Manila will be the next target. During the time of martial law, there was a big silence on the streets and people are more cautious of their actions. For every mistake that they did would be equivalent to a certain punishment. The government will have an easier way of arresting the criminals. During the Marcos regime, once you are doubted to be involved in any subversive activities, you will be arrested even without warrant of arrest.

Progressive country like Singapore is under dictatorship form of government. People in Singapore are disciplined, even the simplest rule is being followed and that what makes their country progressive. It was said to be the world’s best place to do business due to its economic performance. Singapore is the Asia’s 3^rd most “ network ready” country. It was said to be the best in foreign trade and investment.

According to Press secretary Cerge Remonde, President Arroyo has no reason to declare martial law. The people will be against it for they know that martial law violates human rights. The bill of rights states that every citizen has the right to fulfill his basic needs. He has the right to secure himself and his personal belongings. He has the freedom to speak and express himself. He must be informed of the public matters happening around him. If he is under investigation, he has the right to remain silent and to protect himself. Any form of torture, violence, threats shall not be used against him. Hidden detention places or solitary are strictly prohibited. He shall not be constrained to be a witness against himself. At the time of Marcos, anyone who is found against the government will be punished. There was a common occurrence of police brutality. A lot of people were tortured, some were buried alive, were beheaded and poisoned with acid. During the period of 1976-1980, a number of 21 persons died.

Martial law is run by a dictator. The life of the people will be controlled only by one person. Some say that the Philippines is under an unannounced martial law. It is due to the several deaths of media men and other public officials. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said that imposing martial law again will just add fuel to the anger of the people. They make sure that there will be no other president that will repeat the martial law. In bulatlat.com, it was said that there is a division among the military and police forces. Some officers attempts to withdraw from the Arroyo government.

Martial law should not be implemented again in the Philippines for every Filipino has the right to express himself. Martial law violates human rights and is not necessary to be implied again. It will just add up fuel to the anger of the people and will not make the country united.

Sources:

Vizmanos, D. (2003). Martial Law Diary

Can Arroyo Regime Afford to Declare Martial law. retrieved August 23,2009 from www.bulatlat.com

No Reasons for GMA to Declare Martial law. retrieved August 23,2009 from www.philstar.com

Declaration State Rebellion Legal Superfluity. retrieved August 24, 2009 from www.jlp-law.com

Arroyo Nearly Declared Martial Law. retrieved August 22,2009 from www.newsinfo.inquirer.net

Singapore Rankings. Retrieved August 26,2009 from www.edb.gov.sg

L.M. Guerrero(1975). Today Began Yesterday; A historical approach

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