As the Sun Sets and Darkness Falls Over My Sad Archipelago

CAN YOU SPELL F-A-S-C-I-S-M General? (Just asking!)
I feel a supernal ENVY for those most fortunate descendants of the great American Freedom Fighter Justice Frederick O. Douglass who said, "Your forefathers were men of peace; but they preferred revolution to peaceful submission to bondage. They were quiet men but they did not shrink from agitating against oppression. They showed forebearance but they knew its limits. They believed in order but not the order of tyranny. With them nothing was "settled" that was not right. With them, justice, liberty and humanity were "final" -- but not slavery and oppression. You may well cherish the memory of such men, for they seized upon eternal principles, and set a glorious example in their defense. Mark them."

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And now I am about to violate the Copyrights of the ABSCBN Network by posting below the audio recording I made last Friday night of a most excellent discussion on Proclamation 1017, worthy of the Volokh Conspiracy, except it suffers from the evanescent ethereality of all television. If you didn't watch it or have a good DVD recorder, you won't benefit from the discussion. So for the vast asynchronous audience that doesn't have a clue as to what is really going on in the Philippine Archipelago of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, I hereby willingly violate the Intellectual Property Rights Act of the Philippines, begging only the indulgence of that huge ABSCBN Network, considering that Philippine Commentary is still Google ad-free. This discussion may be the last truly free public discussion of this issue. As this is an issue "tainted with public interest," my conscience is clear even as I publicly confess my crime to the party whose commercial and proprietary interests may be damaged hereby--

Here are lawyers, Dong Puno, Marichu Lambino, Dean Raul Pangalangan (University of the Philippines Law School and Harvard University) and Amado Valdez. (audio portion of Dong Puno Live telecast by ABSCBN News on ANC 24 February 2006 2100 gmt+8)


Legal Analysis of Proclamation 1017 on Dong Puno Live (Part 1)


Legal Analysis of Proclamation 1017 on Dong Puno Live (Part 2)

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Philippine Commentary releases to the public domain for as wide distribution as possible the following audio recording of President Arroyo announcing Proclamation 1017 and an accompanying English Translation of it.

The Original in Pilipino (MP3)
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Proclaiming Exec. Order No. 1017
24 February 2006
1125 am GMT+8
Manila, Philippines

I have translated the President's remarks into English for non-speakers of Pilipino national language. But I would appreciate suggestions for improving its fidelity to the letter and spirit, or should I say, the sound and the sense of the above original from Readers in the Comment Thread. Salamat in advance.

PRES. ARROYO: "My Countrymen, I have declared a state of emergency because of a clear and present danger to the Republic which we detected and foiled. There are several who attempted to deviate from the chain of command, in violation of civilian government, and to establish an unconstitutional regime. We defeated this plot. Part of our action was to capture the military and civilian conspirators. We shall also not let pass the financial and political support for the rebellion. The govt has stopped this illegal action. Aside from the few who who broke away, all officers of the military are properly in line down to batallion level. As Commanderj-in-Chief I have full control of the situation. I just finished meeting with my Cabinet, who are united in the public service inspite of the security calamity. I am calling on all local govts to continue to serve. The people's safety and security should not be endangered. Meantime, I am leaving to the Chief of the AFP and the Chief of the Police, all required actions. They will report to media about what will happen next. The Foreign Affairs Secretary will brief the diplomatic embassies. But here is my warning to those plotting against the nation, the full force of the law will fall on your treachery. You are harming the poor in dragging us down from our proper level in the world (senseless phrase here she read the prompter wrong!) You are unmooring the economy from its strengthening fundamentals. My countrymen I ask you all to stay calm. I ask the Media to report events according to public duty, and don't allow harmful rumor and wrong news. Thank you for believing in our naton and our bright future. May God bless the Filipino nation."

Here is Proclamation 1017 itself--

MALACAÑANG PALACE
MANILA
PROCLAMATION NO. 1017
PROCLAMATION DECLARING A STATE OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, over these past months, elements in the political opposition have conspired with authoritarians of the extreme Left represented by the NDF-CPP-NPA and the extreme Right, represented by military adventurists — the historical enemies of the democratic Philippine State — who are now in tactical alliance and engaged in a concerted and systematic conspiracy, over a broad front, to bring down the duly constituted Government elected in May 2004.

WHEREAS, these conspirators have repeatedly tried to bring down the President;

WHEREAS, the claims of these elements have been recklessly magnified by certain segments of the national media;

WHEREAS, this series of actions is hurting the Philippine State — by obstructing governance including hindering the growth of the economy and sabotaging the people’s confidence in government and their faith in the future of this country;

WHEREAS, these actions are adversely affecting the economy;

WHEREAS, these activities give totalitarian forces of both the extreme Left and extreme Right the opening to intensity their avowed aims to bring down the democratic Philippine State;

WHEREAS, Article 2, Section 4 of our Constitution makes the defense and preservation of the democratic institutions and the State the primary duty of Government;

WHEREAS, the activities above-described, their consequences, ramifications and collateral effects constitute a clear and present danger to the safety and the integrity of the Philippine State and of the Filipino people;

NOW, THEREFORE, I Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President of the Republic of the Philippines and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested upon me by Section 18, Article 7 of the Philippine Constitution which states that: “ The President…whenever it becomes necessary,…may call out (the) armed forces to prevent or suppress…rebellion…, “ and in my capacity as their Commander-in-Chief, do hereby command the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to maintain law and order throughout the Philippines, prevent or suppress all forms of lawless violence as well any act of insurrection or rebellion and to enforce obedience to all the laws and to all decrees, orders and regulations promulgated by me personally or upon my direction; and as provided in Section 17, Article 12 of the Constitution do hereby declare a State of National Emergency.

IN WITNESS HEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.

Done in the City of Manila, this 24th day of February, in the year of Our Lord, two thousand and six.

GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO
President
Republic of the Philippines

At this point I want to thank blogs that have paid attention to our grievous situation in the Philippine Archipelago--Austin Bay and the Belmont Club.

God Bless Us All!

TODAY'S LINKS:

Who Is Col. Ariel Querubin? PCIJ/blog has the backgrounder on the Marine officer at the center of yesterday's action at Fort Bonifacio.

Manuel L. Quezon III was actually at the scene yesterday and gives a first person account...also how Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will discover what it is to take on the people who buy ink by the barrel. MLQ3 posts the Transcript of the Media Press Freedom Converence.

Breaking News --- Standoff Developing at Fort Bonifacio

All Manila's media organizations are covering a breaking story at the Marine Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Makati City. Several Marine Corps officers have apparently announced the "withdrawal of support" for the regime of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. They were initially holed up at a chapel inside Fort where some undertemined number of civilians and military men have decided to gather there and protect them. Two tanks with mounted machine guns and a large force of soldiers have arrived in front of the chapel. A standoff is developing as text messages are circulating in Manila for civilians to go to the Gate 3 area of the Fort Bonifacio complex. A certain Colonel Ariel Querubin of the Marine Corps has revealed to the media that it had been the plan of large number of Marine Corps officers and men to RESIGN EN MASSE last Friday, march out of their barracks without their arms and join the Makati Rally led by Cory Aquino. The President is in emergency session with her cabinet at Malacanan Palace.

Blogger-reporters of ABSCBN RG Cruz and Ricky Carandang covering Fort Bonifacio Standoff. Several tanks and armored vehicles have arrived on site.

ALL FURTHER UPDATES WILL BE IN THE COMMENT THREAD SO I DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE CORRECT TIME STAMP.

(22:10 GMT+8 Did Cory's prayer work?) A thankfully nonviolent end may just have come to this, now thoroughly puzzling episode on Day 3 of Proclamation 1017. This, after Major General Nelson Allaga, the new Commandant of the Philippine Marines, flanked by the mysterious Col. Ariel Querubin, announced that they had resolved an internal issue within the Marine Corps related to the reported "voluntary request to be relieved" of Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda. Gen. Allaga said that he was now the Acting Commandant of the Marine Corps, with the implication being that Col. Querubin had acquiesced to this. He stressed that they would not allow themselves to be used by anyone and that they would be staying within the chain of command, a phrase that has become the flavor of the day. This was a good kind of anti-climax. But who knows what Day 4 will bring...

Hat Tip to the Hillblogger: Thanks for pointing out my error-- it is General Nelson Allaga, the new Marine Commandant that is the son-in-law of Chino Roces, not Gen. Renato Miranda, who apparently applied to be relieved.

SPECULATION: Why did this happen? What was this all about? I shall have to review all the recordings to try and sort this one out.

A Call for Solidarity from National Union of Journalists

NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES

For a few years now, the global media community has acknowledged the Philippines among the most dangerous places for journalists. In the past two years, our country has been second only to Iraq in the number of media killings. Philippine journalists have fought hard to roll back the tide of violence.

Today, however, the Philippine press faces its strongest challenge. In declaring a “state of national emergency,” President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo made media among her main targets. She and senior aides warned of government takeover of media facilities considered friendly to the political opposition. Police have already raided the offices of the Daily Tribune, a national daily. Armed men in civilian clothes have gone around the offices of Abante, the country’s biggest tabloid.

Police had earlier arrested Randy David, a columnist of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, holding the award-winning journalist and sociologist for five hours prosecutors said there was no ground to charge him with any crime. The government deployed troops to the compounds of ABS-CBN and GMA-7, the country’s largest television networks. The government’s claim was that the soldiers were protecting these stations from a potential takeover by destabilizers. Police have also declared that they would not hesitate to takeover media entities found “aiding” the administration’s enemies. The police also said they would soon release “standards” or guidelines that journalists must follow and that investigators and prosecutors were monitoring the news.

By the government’s definition, providing aid to Mrs. Arroyo’s enemies includes interviewing opposition parties. In simple terms, the administration wants media to present only the side of the embattled government, using force and coercion to bend journalists to its wishes. Filipinos, journalists included, fought a long, hard battle to regain democracy after two decades of tyranny. That Mrs. Arroyo timed this crackdown on civil liberties with the anniversary of the Marcos dictatorship’s fall only highlights her break with the democratic aspirations of Filipinos. Even as she warns enemies of feeling the full force of the law, Mrs. Arroyo flaunts constitutional guarantees to free speech and expression and press freedom. Leaders of Philippine society have spoken out against the government’s iron-hand tactics.

The Philippine journalism community has also moved fast to unite against this grand assault on press freedom. Today, (Sunday, Feb. 26), the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines will lead various organizations and individual journalists in protesting the crackdown on media. The Philippine media community intends to send Mrs. Arroyo a strong message: We will not go gently into the night. We call on all our colleagues in print, broadcast and digital journalism worldwide to support Philippine media in this dark hour.

Please add your voice to our protest. Let us collectively condemn the crackdown on Philippine media and remind Mrs. Arroyo that no country can be free to prosper if its media is silenced and cowed. You can send protest letters to the government through the Office of the Press Secretary at osec@ops.gov.ph, with facsimile number (632) 735-6167 or deliver these to the nearest Philippine embassy and consulate. You can send solidarity messages to the NUJP through its email address, nujphil@gmail.com or post this on our website: National Union of Journalists of the Philippines

[via MANUEL L. QUEZON III]

1017 Outlines of a New Conjugal Dictatorship in the Philippines

The die is cast in many ways, by the brazen, gang-banging nature of Proclamation 1017's mandates and the manner of its execution. A red line has been crossed in the closure and seizure by the Philippine National Police of the opposition Daily Tribune, and open threats by General Arturo Lomibao of closures and seizures of other newspapers, television, and radio outlets that do not toe the line of "Responsible Journalism." The thinking of some now is that Proclamation 1017 does not give the Executive enough powers to contain and quell the rising anger and mobilization of Civil Societies and mass organzations across the entire political spectrum at the audacity of the government's crackdown. The attempt to paint everyone as coup plotters and military adventurists as the reason for the pogrom is melting as the government is starting to go after patently legitimate opposition. Clearly the President needs the vast powers of Martial Law now in order to survive. But the 1987 Constitution grants those powers to the Congress to control its declaration, extent and duration. She needs House Speaker Jose de Venecia now more than last year when he saved her from the First Impeachment attempt. He needs her too now because his rivals in the House like Prospero Pitchay are outdoing him in sycophancy. (JDV's big-jawed rival said Friday, "It's about time the President did this."). What they could not do together through the radical, self-administered brain surgery of Chacha, they may do through a marriage of mutual survival and co-dependence, our new Conjugal Dictatorship between heedless Executive and headless Legislature. The legal analysis is at Ye Olde Philippine Commentary.

But there are those wanting to speak now and will never hold their peace.

Stand for Liberty! Stand for the Philippines!

IF YOU CARED ABOUT DENMARK--YOU WILL CARE ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES!
and even if you don't care about Denmark, you should care about the Philippines if you live here!
MANUEL L.QUEZON III has the ball this morning on the first newspaper closure.
CORY AQUINO is at Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism
PCIJ Blog may be the first weblog that will be closed under Proclamation 1017.
FIDEL RAMOS calls Proclamation 1017 'Marcosian' at Philippine Daily Inquirer

Unlinkable is the INFORMATION CAMPAIGN ongoing on AM Radio.
Watch this space for MP3s and audio feeds.

Saludo!: DEAN RAUL PANGALANGAN RISES TO CHALLENGE OF THE MOMENT
Dong Puno discusses Proclamation 1017 with Marichu Lambino, Dean Raul Pangalangan (University of the Philippines Law School, Harvard University), and Dean Amado Valdez (Feati Law)--Audio Recording of an ABSCBN tv show last Friday, 24 February 2006

Proclamation 1017 (Part 1)


Proclamation 1017 (Part 2)

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Dear Faith, Will Martial Law be declared? I don't know...but from where I sit I CAN see the Western ramparts of that homeland faraway, where you are thankfully safe in Liberty's glorious protection in that Continent of ever vigilant ever militant Liberty. In the Archipelago, the sun is setting once more over an unpacific sea...for now let's hold hands in the gathering darkness, where we are not supine, nor cowed, nor silent...

(MP3)

Proclamation 1017 GMA's Speech in English Translation

The Original in Pilipino (MP3)
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Proclaiming Exec. Order No. 1017
24 February 2006
1125 am GMT+8
Manila, Philippines

I have translated the President's remarks into English for non-speakers of Pilipino national language. But I would appreciate suggestions for improving its fidelity to the letter and spirit, or should I say, the sound and the sense of the above original from Readers in the Comment Thread. Salamat in advance.

PRES. ARROYO: "My Countrymen, I have declared a state of emergency because of a clear and present danger to the Republic which we detected and foiled. There are several who attempted to deviate from the chain of command, in violation of civilian government, and to establish an unconstitutional regime. We defeated this plot. Part of our action was to capture the military and civilian conspirators. We shall also not let pass the financial and political support for the rebellion. The govt has stopped this illetgal action. Aside from the few who who broke away, all officers of the military are properly in line down to batallion level. As Commanderj-in-Chief I have full control of the situation. I just finished meeting with my Cabinet, who are united in the public service inspite of the security calamity. I am calling on all local govts to continue to serve. The people's safety and security should not be endangered. Meantime, I am leaving to the Chief of the AFP and the Chief of the Police, all required actions. They will report to media about what will happen next. The Foreign Affairs Secretary will brief the diplomatic embassies. But here is my warning to those plotting against the nation, the full force of the law will fall on your treachery. You are harming the poor in dragging us down from our proper level in the world (senseless phrase here she read the prompter wrong!) You are unmooring the economy from its strengthening fundamentals. My countrymen I ask you all to stay calm. I ask the Media to report events according to public duty, and don't allow harmful rumor and wrong news. Thank you for believing in our naton and our bright future. May God bless the Filipino nation."

YOU CAN HELP BY SUGGESTING IMPROVEMENTS TO THIS TRANSLATION AFTER LISTENING TO THE MP3. THANKS

RELATED: Full Text of Proclamation 1017 (at PCIJ)

Warrantless Arrests, Raids on Mass Media By Manila Regime

BSCBN NEWS (PINKY WEBB) has just reported the warrantless arrest of CONGRESSMAN CRISPIN BELTRAN, (party list representative of the Left-leaning Anakpawis party) Over a 21-year old rebellion case.

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Correction to this item via ABSCBN:
"Bayan Muna Rep. Saturnino Ocampo said Beltran along with a bodyguard, his wife, and two other companions, were arrested in his San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, home at around 8:30 a.m. Saturday. The five were reportedly taken to CIDG headquarters at Camp Crame in Quezon City." More from PCIJ

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I may disagree with Rep. Beltran's ideology, some even say he is a communist, but I wish to condemn in the strongest possible terms this clear violation of the Rule of Law and a human being's Constitutional and Democratic rights to be safe and secure in his private person. There is an arbitrariness to this arrest, which smacks of a setup. It is of course easy to go after Leftist personalities. That is how it starts but repression never ends there. Because political protest is not the monopoly of the Left. All the more serious that he is a duly elected democratic representative of the people. The Palace has indeed been hitting out at the well-known avatars of the "extreme Right" and the "Extreme Left" by charging Senator Gringo Honasan for a coup d'etat conducted three years ago [sic!] and now "Ka Crispin Beltran." It's mainly for optics. It is a cruel reality-show type of support for the main pretext and premise in Proclamation 1017-- that an alliance between the Left and the Right is in conspiracy against the State. Hohum. How original. As for Oplan Hackle and General Danilo Lim, I have a feeling when the truth comes out about that, it will be very embarrassing and devastating for the Palace.

ALL ON THE FIRST DAY OF 1017: These reported actions are the actions of a rogue state with a rogue leader that does not deserve the respect of the international community and of global civil societies. These actions do not advance Freedom in the world, they retard it by tarnishing Democracy's record in resolving human political conflicts. Such states promote strife and distrust in democratic forms of governance and create a condition that is susceptible of violence by undermining respect due to constitutional authority. All in one day they have accomplished these despicable acts. They have outlawed the right to bear arms by repealing all permits to carry; they have warned media with takeover or closure if they do not bend the news so the government looks good; they have threatened to take over private enterprises under the pretext of a national emergency; they have raided newspaper offices and arrested university professors. They have indeed conducted warrantless searches and seizures of two newspapers, the Daily Tribune and Abante. Now they are arresting Congressmen in direct contravention of the Rule of Law and common morality. It is happening again right now folks and one of these days, as in Marcosian times, it will also be at your door. Fascist dictatorship by the faithless, the paranoiac, the totalitarian, the pikon with a gun, I mean.

There is a CHILL in the air.
It's name is Fear.
But there are other,
Equally ancient emotions
Astir!

I call on all fellow Filipinos and Filipino Americans to stand by the U.S. Government's statement yesterday calling on the Philippine government to uphold the Rule of Law, protect human rights and civil liberties, and to support the renewed call of President Corazon Aquino for Mrs. Arroyo to step down. For the good salvation of the nation. It is our duty to hold our governments to their stated duties and commitments to law and decency.

From the Ministry of Truth and Responsible Journalism

[With gratitude to George Orwell for something he wrote a long time ago...but click HERE TO HEAR the new Da Apo.]

Journal Entry of the Editor-in-chief at the Ministry of Truth and Responsible Journalism--

An English Translation of the Commander-in-Chief's Proclamation Speech on the Prime Directive 1017 is now available from the responsible weblogger at Ye Olde Philippine Commentary and should be read and disseminated by all.

The Prime Directive 1017 itself is available at the responsible media organization, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism.

These are the Footnotes to Events That Really Happened on 24 February 2006 in the Ever-Loyal City of Manila, capital of the Philippines. The Prime Directive 1017 authorizes the Ministry of Truth and Responsible Journalism to ensure that media does not publish HARMFUL NEWS or practice IRRESPONSIBLE JOURNALISM. We must correct all records to be in accord in the Prime Directive.

[1] A newspaper called the Daily Tribune and another called Abante were NOT raided without search warrants late yesterday. NO documents were taken and the Rule of Law has been preserved, per the Prime Directive 1017. This has been recorded in the Journal of Events.

[2] Twenty three minor age children walking with the crowd at Edsa corner Santolan yesterday were NOT arrested along with dozens of others. Nothing happend at that location except some bottles and stones half the size of hollow blocks were thrown by hooligans at no one in particular. There is NO Truth to the Vile Rumour that 20,000 Children in Conflict with the Law are in Philippine Prisons. If it were true, why would the State want to ADD to such an annoying and embarrassing situation?

[3] A professor of the University of the Philippines and columnist of the responsible newspaper, Philippine Daily Inquirer, was NOT arrested without a warrant by plain clothes operatives, nor was he released later. The police have submitted the corrective memo and the Ministry of Truth has duly recorded it.

[4] The United States Embassy issued a Statement that did not call for upholding the Rule of Law and the protection of Human Rights and Civil Liberties. It was just a "Warden-warning" to the foreign citizens enjoying the gracious hospitality of the Strong Repulic. It may be IGNORED in light of the following.

[5] The Prime Directive 1017 does not authorize the President-in-chief to violate the civil liberties of the Citizens, as long as they do not rock the Boat of State.

[6] The Prime Directive 1017 does not suppress Press Freedom. The Ministry of Truth and Responsiible Journalism will see to that.

[7] The Prime Directive 1017 does not empower the President to seize any private enterprise without compensation and run it in times of national emergency, if such enterprises are "tainted with public interest."

[8] The Prime Directive 1017, Consiglieri Ed Nachura has already declared truthfully that NO such private enterprises in which a tainting by public interest has been detected. Let this be so recorded under the Journal of Provisional Policies.

[9] There are NO newspapers, television stations or radio broadcasters that are not practicing Responsible Journalism at this time and tainting themselves with public interest. The Ministry of Truth and Responsible Journalism is fulfilling its mandate under the Prime Directive 1017.

[10] There is NO truth to the wild rumors that FREEDOM HOUSE will downgrade the Strong Republic of the Philippines to the status of NOT FREE in 2006.

It feels just like the Morning After, on September 23, 1972...some men and women were huddled together in the Camp Crame Officers Gym..Ninoy, Pepe, Chino, Haydee, Jerry... (I was there too, shivering in fear at the shit I'd gotten myself into, the youngest I think, and a case surely, of mistaken identity and worth compared to that company).....outside it was a bright sunny morning too, with the sounds of normal life honking in the distance...the roosters were crowing all night long, at least thrice, as new detainees arrived. Martial Law was smiling and truthful and responsible too...But as someone said recently in Washington, "We love our Freedom and we will fight to keep it!" So the result will be the same, Freedom and Justice and Liberty will win in the end. And Truth.

(MP3)

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Via RICKY CARANDANG REPORTING this letter from the internationally respected Editor in Chief of Newsbreak Magazine --

Twenty years ago, we regained our freedom of the press. Today, we stand the risk of losing it. It is ironic that on the day we celebrate people power, a glorious and festive moment in our history, we are reminded that our freedoms are fragile. They can easily be taken away.

We view the raid on Tribune, an opposition newspaper, with alarm. It appears to signal the start of a crackdown on media organizations.

We have always believed that repression is never the answer to a critical press. We remind the authorities that a free press is a cornerstone of a democracy. Without it, we cannot claim to be a democratic country.

Marites Danguilan Vitug
Editor in Chief
Newsbreak Magazine

Alleged Coup Plotter Is A West Point Graduate

It was a "a clear and present danger to the Republic" in the form of a conspiracy to overthrow the government and establish a military junta that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said was the immediate reason for her declaration of a "state of national emergency" Friday in Manila. It was reported early yesterday that a Brigadier General Danilo Lim was one of the parties referred to by the President as having stepped out of the chain of command. Head of the elite Philippine Scout Rangers and shown at left in a "boodle fight" with GMA in 2003, (via Newsbreak). General Lim is reportedly a graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point. AFP Chief of Staff Generoso Senga claimed Lim tried to recruit him into the plot by having him withdraw support for the President as Gen. Angelo Reyes did in 2001. So who is Brig.Gen. Danilo Lim? Is the Palace's pretext for Proclamation 1017 sound? Veteran journalist and Manila Times columnist Julius Fortuna wrote the following about him last July. Does this sound like a guy who would go into tactical alliance with the CPP-NPA-NDF as the President claimed in her speech explaing Proc. 1017? --

FORTUNA: Brig. Gen. Danilo “Dan­­ny” Lim, commander of the Scout Rangers of the Philippine Army, is probably the most credible military officer today. That is why the Palace tapped him on Saturday to debunk a report that adventurous young officers have reorganized the legendary Young Officers Union (YOU) that he used to chair. A graduate of the West Point Academy in the United States, Lim is respected in military circles for his idealism, integrity, expertise and bravery.

In December 1989, Lim, along with then-Maj. Abraham Purugganan and one Colonel Galvez, led the YOU in a nine-day siege of the Makati business district.

That siege, the most serious threat to the Aquino administration, had a story of its own. Suffice it to say that Lim, Purugganan and Galvez and their men fought the government forces to a draw in a battle that made the headlines all over the world. Lim accepted his punishment with dignity, but a good man cannot be down forever. Finally, good judgment prevailed among the brass and Lim became a general to lead an elite army force today.

When I had the chance to ask Danny how the Scout Rangers were able to adjust to the city, Danny replied that they imagined the buildings to be mountains whose terrain they are familiar with.

When the YOU issued a statement last week that it was being revived to threaten the government, the Palace press people called Lim from his Bulacan camp to refute the report. Lim obliged, saying that in his talks with the leaders of the YOU, there is no more YOU. It has been disbanded long ago. But he also cautioned the government to take care of the officers in the field.

Lim’s statement was corroborated by Diosdado Valeroso, another idealist officer. Valeroso, who was known by his war name, “Captain Maglalang,” even elaborated that the old group of YOU upholds the Constitution, debunking coups as a way of social change.

Should we believe the statements of Lim and Valeroso? Is the YOU really over? We can believe that it has been disbanded, with its members now scattered in various commands. But what of a new group that might emerge from the present crisis? We can never say because each situation produces new rebels and military leaders, and after EDSA 1, the military from top to bottom have been heavily politicized.

The way Senga was answered media questions yesterday makes me wonder if this was a coup d'etat or a great big hoo-hah. We shall have to await further disclosures to see where this national emergency caused by the extreme Right and the extreme Left in tactical alliance, is actually headed.

Cory Aquino Asks President Arroyo to Resign

IN A MASSIVE SHOW OF OPEN DEFIANCE against Proclamation 1017, former President CORAZON AQUINO, (flanked by the Senate President FRANKLIN DRILON, Reps. BUTZ AQUINO, Rep. ROILO GOLEZ, and about 10,000 prominent and not so prominent personalities) just called on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo "to make the supreme sacrifice of stepping down from office." Despite being threatened with dispersal earlier in the day, the celebration of the 1986 People Power Revolution in Makati City, at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas in the heart of the Central Business District is ongoing as I post this. This has been the finest hour of the "Middle Forces" so far in the Gloriagate controversy. In the crowd were many who supported Mrs. Arroyo in 2001, and many who fought Marcos, like me. We shall never surrender the way of life that we know all human beings deserve. At least those who accept that eternal vigilance is the price they must pay for their Liberty! Now will the Filipinos discover the meaning of People Power. When they have to do it again. And again. World without end!

NINOY AQUINO, in stone, forever descending to the tarmac, watches and waits.

US GOVERNMENT STATEMENT Matthew Lussenhop of the US Embassy read a statement on behalf of the US Government. It read in part, "We call on the Philippine Government and the Filipino people to respect fully the Rule of Law, to protect Civil Liberties and Human Rights, and to reject violence." He declined to give an assessment of the situation other than to say the US is monitoring the situation.
Here is an MP3 of the entire US Embassy statement. [audio recording of ABSCBN News telecast]

Here is a better (and complete) recording of the President's speech proclaiming 1017. (MP3)

TRANSLATION INTO ENGLISH: Since it is in Pilipino national language, I have provided the following translation of the President's speech into English for nonbilinguals--

PRES. ARROYO: "My Countrymen,

I have declared a state of emergency because of a clear and present danger to the Republic which we detected and foiled. There are several who attempted to deviate from the chain of command, in violation of civilian government, and to establish an unconstitutional regime. We defeated this plot. Part of our action was to capture the military and civilian conspirators. We shall also not let pass the financial and political support for the rebellion. The govt has stopped this illetgal action. Aside from the few who who broke away, all officers of the military are properly in line down to batallion level. As Commanderj-in-Chief I have full control of the situation. I just finished meeting with my Cabinet, who are united in the public service inspite of the security calamity. I am calling on all local govts to continue to serve. The people's safety and security should not be endangered. Meantime, I am leaving to the Chief of the AFP and the Chief of the Police, all required actions. They will report to media about what will happen next. The Foreign Affairs Secretary will brief the diplomatic embassies. But here is my warning to those plotting against the nation, the full force of the law will fall on your treachery. You are harming the poor in dragging us down from our proper level in the world (senseless phrase here she read the prompter wrong!) You are unmooring the economy from its strengthening fundamentals. My countrymen I ask you all to stay calm. I ask the Media to report events according to public duty, and don't allow harmful rumor and wrong news. Thank you for believing in our naton and our bright future. May God bless the Filipino nation."

The text of Proc. 1017 follows --

MALACAÑANG PALACE, MANILA
PROCLAMATION NO. 1017
PROCLAMATION DECLARING A STATE OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY

WHEREAS, over these past months, elements in the political opposition have conspired with authoritarians of the extreme Left represented by the NDF-CPP-NPA and the extreme Right, represented by military adventurists — the historical enemies of the democratic Philippine State — who are now in tactical alliance and engaged in a concerted and systematic conspiracy, over a broad front, to bring down the duly constituted Government elected in May 2004.

WHEREAS, these conspirators have repeatedly tried to bring down the President;

WHEREAS, the claims of these elements have been recklessly magnified by certain segments of the national media;

WHEREAS, this series of actions is hurting the Philippine State — by obstructing governance including hindering the growth of the economy and sabotaging the people’s confidence in government and their faith in the future of this country;

WHEREAS, these actions are adversely affecting the economy;

WHEREAS, these activities give totalitarian forces of both the extreme Left and extreme Right the opening to intensity their avowed aims to bring down the democratic Philippine State;

WHEREAS, Article 2, Section 4 of our Constitution makes the defense and preservation of the democratic institutions and the State the primary duty of Government;

WHEREAS, the activities above-described, their consequences, ramifications and collateral effects constitute a clear and present danger to the safety and the integrity of the Philippine State and of the Filipino people;

NOW, THEREFORE, I Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President of the Republic of the Philippines and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested upon me by Section 18, Article 7 of the Philippine Constitution which states that: “ The President…whenever it becomes necessary,…may call out (the) armed forces to prevent or suppress…rebellion…, “ and in my capacity as their Commander-in-Chief, do hereby command the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to maintain law and order throughout the Philippines, prevent or suppress all forms of lawless violence as well any act of insurrection or rebellion and to enforce obedience to all the laws and to all decrees, orders and regulations promulgated by me personally or upon my direction; and as provided in Section 17, Article 12 of the Constitution do hereby declare a State of National Emergency.

IN WITNESS HEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.

Done in the City of Manila, this 24th day of February, in the year of Our Lord, two thousand and six.

GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO
President
Republic of the Philippines

PROCLAMATION 1017 STATE OF REBELLION DECLARED!

Recent Posts At Philippine Commentary Related to Proclamation 1017 State of National Emergency and Rebellion in the Philippines 24 February 2006 (in chronological order):

Philippine Coup Rumors Intensifying

Sliding Down to the Ranks of the Unfree

Live Blogging the Edsa Anniversary

PROCLAMATION 1017 STATE OF REBELLION DECLARED!

Cory Aquino Asks President Arroyo to Resign

Alleged Coup Plotter Is A West Point Graduate

From the Ministry of Truth and Responsible Journalism

Warrantless Arrests, Raids on Mass Media By Manila
Regime

Proclamation 1017 GMA's Speech in English Translation

Stand for Liberty! Stand for the Philippines!

1017 Outlines of a New Conjugal Dictatorship in the
Philippines

A Call for Solidarity from National Union of Journalists

Breaking News --- Standoff Developing at Fort Bonifacio

As the Sun Sets and Darkness Falls Over My Sad
Archipelago

The Citizen-Soldier's Moral Dilemma

President Arroyo Blinks on Proclamation 1017?

On the Criminal Culpability in Proclaiming and Enforcing
1017

Thanks a Lot Comrade Gloria!

2001 'Leftist-Rightist' Coup d'etat -- in Mike Arroyo's Own
Words

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...COVERAGE OF THE STATE OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY IN THE PHILIPPINES...
(1125 GMT+8) President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has just declared a STATE OF REBELLION throughout the Philippines! Arrests have been ordered of conspirators, financiers, and other participants. Chief of Staff Michael Defensor describes the Proclamation 1017 just signed by the President. He warns Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay not to hold the big rally promised for later today with former President Cory Aquino at the head of guest speakers. He says anyone participating in rallies today calling for the ouster of the President will be arrested. Mike Defensor will be remembered now as the new Francisco Tatad, who, on a bright morning such as today, announced the declaration of martial law in September 1972. THE GOOD FIGHT BEGINS ANEW! I mourn the death of Democracy in the Philippines with a grievous sense of irony and a lachrymose deja vu for I myself was arrested on the very first day of martial law in 1972. Thirty-four years later, we face again the arrival of a fascist dictator. Yes, GloriaMacapagal Arroyo is an enemy of freedom, and a traitor to all that we as loyal Filipinos and Americans hold dear. I call on all my beloved countrymen in the United States to spread the word. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE -- you who live in Liberty's glorious protection. Uprise. Stand for Liberty.

(1145) Violent dispersal of the rally at the Edsa Shrine has begun. Police are using truncheons and water cannon. The crowd is fighting back with stones and bottles. (AM Radio 588). Vice Pres. Teofisto Guingona is giving a stirring speech at the Edsa Shrine. Negotiations are going on with Gen. Casuelo(?) and VP Guingona because the dispersal order is being enforced but the crowd is holding firm and won't go. Heavy armor is arriving...
(1215 GMT+8) Newly made Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales of Manila just issued a statement saying this move does not evince the true spirit of Edsa. (But I don't trust this cleric. He will dance with the dictator is my feeling from his actuations and statements in the past.)

Here is DICTATOR GLORIA MARCOS ARROYO's justification of Proclamation 1017.

There is some argument about whether this is State of Rebellion or a State of Emergency or what? I call it FASCISM and DICTATORSHIP. It will not stand. It will not!

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Related:
My post on the Anniversary of Edsa 2 last month:
The Real Coup d'tat
On the Oakwood Mutiny:
Did the Oakwood Mutiny Fail Because Gringo Stole Erap's Money?
Backgrounder for US visitors to this website:
America's Interests and the Fate of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
America Should Withdraw Support for GMA's Mob Rule

Text of Executive Order No. 1017 (at PCIJ Blog)

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(1300) The just concluded Press Conference of Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz and Chief of Staff Generoso Senga produces a mystery: Ave Cruz, who is parner in the Firm of First Gent Mike Arroyo, and a brilliant lawyer, could not cite what Constitutional provision supports Proclamation 1017. He ascribed it to general powers of the President to enforce the laws. And Senga was evasive when asked about the circumstances surrounding the relief and custody of Gen. Danilo Lim, (said to be a West Pointer and brigadier general fighting the terrorist NPA and Abu Sayyaf) , whom he accused of plotting an action against the govt today. But Senga also pointedly said that the planned actions of Gen. Lim did not involve the former President Joseph Estrada. Both seemed to be unfamiliar with the script. They better practice for the next few days because I don't think this will be like Marcos in September 1972 because the Filipino people are not a bunch of brainless idiots anymore. Hell, four million of us live in America and we know what freedom is! I tell you folks what Arroyo is doing is against everything you and I believe in, just talking plain and simple. This is an evil betrayal of democracy, freedom. It's spitting on motherhood and trampling on the apple pie. Simple as that. No need for any fancy Philippine Commentary. Well maybe just a lil...I think the Press and Civil Society and all those brilliant lawyers (we need you now Rodel!!!) will swarm all over this and dare I make a prediction...not yet. I think I'll take a walk right now to the Edsa Shrine so I can report to you some first hand accounts. Rizalist! Saddle up the mountain bike and get the Nikon Coolpix out...

(1320) SCARY: Ed Nachura, is talking about the right of the govt to take over public utilities and private corporations (including Media!) "tainted with public interest" in times of emergency. The Permit to Carry Firearms has been rescinded immediately. I said it before PDI: we shall be together on the ramparts in the defense of Press Freedom. Sec. Raul Gonzales claims "this is not martial law" even if warrantless arrests, according to this capo consiglieri is really just like a citizens arrest. INFAMY!

(1400) Professor Randy David of the University of Philippines and a well-respected writer for the Philippine Daily Inquirer's Op/Ed, has been arrested without a warrant while walking along EDSA with lawyer Argee Guevara. ReichFieldMarshall Vidal Querol justifies it to Ricky Carandang by saying he had no permit to rally. But he couldn't answer Pia Hontiveros question: "Does that mean anyone just walking on the street can be arrested." He mumbled something mangled, but it didn't sound like denial. "Warrantless arrests are just citizen's arrests!" ORWELLIAN NEWSPEAK!

The small group led by former Vice President Tito Guingona that initially resisted being dispersed from the Shrine earlier this morning were "persuaded" to leave shortly after noon by police and military in full battle gear, or at least truncheons at the ready. One curious onlooker (selling cigarettes by the stick) said they thought the octogenarian Tito Guingona might get hurt after some minor scuffling. (am in an Internet cafe near the Shrine, perfect observation post folks). The big action will be in Makati though, where Sec. Raul Gonzalez said he would be willing to arrest even Cory Aquino if they continue with a planned celebration of the Edsa 1 People Power Revolution. TOTALITARIAN SMOOTH-TONGUE! NAZI CONSIGLIERI!

Whenever I am forced to endure the risible intonations of idiotarians like Secretary Gonzalez and indeed, the Little Prince Fascist himself, Chief of Staff Mike Defensor, I feel a supernal ENVY for those most fortunate descendants of the great American Freedom Fighter Justice Frederick O. Douglass who said, "Your forefathers were men of peace; but they preferred revolution to peaceful submission to bondage. They were quiet men but they did not shrink from agitating against oppression. They showed forebearance but they knew its limits. They believed in order but not the order of tyranny. With them nothing was "settled" that was not right. With them, justice, liberty and humanity were "final" -- but not slavery and oppression. You may well cherish the memory of such men, for they seized upon eternal principles, and set a glorious example in their defense. Mark them."

THIS ENVY I WOULD TURN INTO INSPIRATION FOR THE FILIPINOS WHO'VE YET TO PAY THE AWESOME TOLL ON THE LONG ROAD TO FREEDOM!

(1500 ...Come Marching In...) There's a huge crowd now on Ayala Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas. Congressman BUTZ AQUINO, brother of NINOY AQUINO, has declared that the Makati celebration of the Edsa People Power Revolution will continue even if the Palace threatens to arrest anyone rallying today under the state of national emergency. Senate President FRANKLIN DRILON is there marching on the street too, saying he is willing to be arrested if need be! He says they are there to do a wreath-laying at the Monument to Ninoy Aquino. Resigned Social Welfare Secretary and ex-First Best Friend, DINKY SOLIMAN expressed anger that on the very day that democracy was won in 1986 it has been strangled on its 20th Anniversary. Atty. Anselmo Cadiz of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines denounced the declaration of a state of national emergency which he said needed the authorization of Congress. Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay is appealing to the police to leave the wreath laying ceremony at the Ninoy monument by Cory Aquino alone. I'm wondering about these phalanxes of the police dispersal units. You can see their eyes past the Lexan visors. Poor underpaid chaps, they look more scared than the those celebrating a victory against the dictator Marcos. Their shoes look worn to me, their uniforms dirty. Only their truncheons look new!. I wonder who they will side with if this comes to bloody confrontation later... CORY AQUINO will be here later...In what should be an omen to the Palace, yellow confetti is gently raining down on the crown from the surrounding office buildings, as they did 20 years ago...

(1600) Guidelines for the closure of newspapers, TV and radio stations under the state of National Emergency have reportedly been seen by some reporters. BLOOD IS BOILING. PRESS FREEDOM! What were we just talking about recently at Danish Breakfast?

(1620) Monitoring AM RMN Radio...Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay and Ground Commander Nicolas Gregorio are in a tense negotiation to allow his group to join the commemoration at the Ninoy Aquino statue. They are arguing about the group with Mayor Binay who've been stopped just a few blocks from the corner of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas. Steel barricades are going up in the Central Makati Business District. At the Palace, Michael "Rasputin" Defensor is still talking up the great Philippine economy and how they had dinner--with a bunch of Japanese moguls last night. Hmm. .. I'd like to interview one of those Japanese businessmen to see what they think now in the light of this state of steel barricades on posh Paseo de Frigging Roxas!

Live Blogging the Edsa Anniversary

Ye Olde Philippine Commentary has the scoop this morning:MP3 OF JOSEPH ESTRADA ON RMN NEWS AT 7:00 AM RMN NEWS

JOSEPH ESTRADA has just told radio announcer Eli Saludar, in an unexpected cell phone call, that he is refusing to leave the San Juan Medical Center after he was told the Palace has ordered him moved back to Tanay. I just heard him say that he is willing to die in his hometown of San Juan, rather than let police move him back to detention in Tanay, Rizal. The former President was scheduled for eye surgery to remove a cyst tonight, but apparently the Palace is in "paranoia" mode, according to a radio reporter. A crowd of his hard-core supporters has apparently gathered around him. AM Radio is unusually abuzz with the early morning happening since before dawn: All schools in the National Capitol Region have been closed at elementary, high school and college levels (DepEd Fe Hidalgo and Ched's Carlito Puno) ...the Malacanang Press Corps has been excluded from the Palace grounds(per Ray Mercaral)... police and military are on double red alert...Even low-level Palace employees have also been excluded...The situation is deemed not normal by Ray Mercaral, veteran radio reporter of RMN News.

UPDATES all day here and at Ye Olde Philippine Commentary

(8:00 GMT+8) Secretary Mike Defensor says President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will be making a statement shortly on the statement of former President Joseph Estrada, in about one hour. Something abnormal has apparently happened or is happening in the vicinity of the Palace...the entire First Family is presently closeted in Malcanang Palace. An emergency National Security Meeting is ongoing...talk of Emergency Rule being declared is rife...The Malacanang Press Corps has been excluded from the normal press working area...

(0830) The Palace blinks on Erap? After a tense stand-off, the Sandiganbayan has relented and will allow Erap to stay put for his operation and not tempt his hordes with an opportunity for a flash point.

(0845) Chief of Staff Mike Defensor has just announced a TOTAL GUN BAN in the entire country, whether or not persons have a license for them. The relief of General Danilo Lim has been confirmed.

(0930) Command conferences (read: loyalty checks) have been going on in all the major military commands. The first one was held at the Palace around 3:00 am after news spread that retired General Ramon Montano had issued a call to all Armed Forces personnel "to withdraw support from the government of Pres. Arroyo." This according to ABSCBN News' morning tv anchor, Twink Macaraeg, talking to AFP Chief of Staff Generoso Senga. Still awaiting the President...

(1000) ABSCBN News via Ricky Carandang says the relieved Gen. Danilo Lim had earlier asked the AFP Chief of Staff Generoso Senga to withdraw support for the President and join the coalition seeking her ouster, but that he refused. In San Juan, two large speaker systems have been set up to entertain the growing crowd gathering around Erap....Still no Palace Press Conference yet...Some deep, deep game is afoot...

(1100) National Capital Region Police Chief Vidal Querol has just told ABSCBN News that all rally permits are deemed cancelled for today and warns various protest groups against attempting to hold demonstrations at the usual places. However, the corner of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) and Ortigas Avenue in Manila is now closed to vehicular traffic due to a large crowd of people wanting to attend Holy Mass there at noon. The police tried to close the Church doors, and cancel the regular service, but the large number of people prevailed. Something is going on down there just a few blocks away...maybe I'll go down there in a while. AM Radio DZMM is describing another large contingent of protest marchers headed south on EDSA towards the Shrine from the Quezon Memorial Circle. Dispersal units are said to be readying to meet them to prevent their reaching the Edsa Shrine...

(1110) A dispersal order against the crowds gathering at various points along EDSA has just been confirmed by police operations director just interviewed by Michael Rogas of DZMM 588 Manila AM radio. Philippine flags and large streamers calling for Gloria to Resign are now visible all along the Edsa Flyover near the Edsa Shrine. This could get ugly soon if cooler heads don't prevail, the sounds of the crowd remind me of....2001...

(1115) Colonel Restituto Padilla, spokesman of the Philippine Air Force confirms that all units are standing firm with the chain of command. From Laguna's Camp Vicente Lim, General Noble, Region IV military commander, reports no unauthorized troop movements towards Manila has been monitored from the southern suburbs. He confirms his commands commitment to the President. Entrances into Manila at the South Luzon and North Luzon Expressways (SLEX and NLEX) are reported to be heavily guarded by army units interdicting rallyists who usually arrive in overloaded jeepneys or small buses.

(1120) NCRPO Chief Vidal Querol has just announced the relief of the head of Special Action Force head Gen. Michaelino Franco because of persistent reports of "recruitment" in that crucial police unit and has already been replaced.

Bitter Herbs and Purple Flowers

BREAKFAST AT PHILIPPINE COMMENTARY
Four completely unrelated things happened which produced the picture you see nearby, of my simple but wholesome breakfast today-- (1) One Sunday a few weeks ago, I was at a popular outdoor market near the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City and bought a bunch of herbal plants, including "Java Mint from the Isle of Sumatra" which produced the most unusual bright green pungent leaves with the most gorgeous and delectable purple flowers that bloom in tiny profusions on my sunny balcony overlooking Laguna de Bai now. (2) Some Filipino American friends arrived from New York with real bagels (egg, garlic, blueberry or just plain, yummy). (3) Lady Philippine Commentary brought home some cream cheese, --two kinds, one from Philadelphia, the other from Denmark, branded Arla. Don't know why I snapped this picture half way through breakfast this morning...until I saw (4) this from Christopher Hitchens writing in Slate today: Stand Up for Denmark on a matter that has preoccupied this blog and its regulars for the last few weeks and still bears looking at and thinking about...even at breakfast...especially at breakfast! (For a full course dinner though, I suggest you visit this Club.)

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Questions to the Comment Thread:
(1) Is Freedom of Religion a genre of Freedom of Speech as Press Freedom is?
(2) Must Religions EVOLVE under Democracy?
(3) Would it violate Separation for civil societies to try to force Religions to revise their dogmas?

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It was completely by accident of course, that one brand of cream cheese we have is made by the company called Arla Foods, which turns out to be a cooperative composed of 11,600 largely independent milk producers in Denmark and Sweden, and is Europe's largest dairy products supplier. I'd never even heard about Arla before this, though I have no doubt consumed their products even here in Manila, where they seem to be available at a reasonable price. Arla is also one of the companies targeted for boycotts as a result of Muslim reaction to the Mohammed cartoons of Jyllands Postens. But Mr. Hitchens explains who actually lit the powder keg which has blown up and killed 30 Muslims and burned down embassies "--

It was the arrogant Danish mullahs who patiently hawked those cartoons around the world (yes, don't worry, they are allowed to exhibit them as much as they like) until they finally provoked a vicious response against the economy and society of their host country.

Then there is the mullah in Pakistan who has offered $1 million and a car as a bribe for the murder of "the cartoonist."

I am sorely disappointed in the Philippine Media and most of the Philippine Blogosphere, for the mostly contemptible silence of those who've been cowed by some deeply wrong sense of what "respect" and "responsibility" and "freedom of expression" truly mean for the future of a multicultural human race.

It was surprising and disappointing to see the position of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, a self-proclaimed champion of freedom of the press and one that likes to shake the tree of government until the coconuts fall out. PDI does not seem to understand how press freedom and religious freedom are both essentially exercises of the freedom of speech and expression, and are therefore mere genres of free speech governed by the same laws and conventions. Organized religion is mere freedom of assembly and has no special rights beyond that, other than to be treated in a completely neutral manner by the State.

I say "mere" only in comparison to the lofty position occupied by Religion in theocracies. But PDI seems to grant Religion a mystic or mythic right to be respected and revered that is not a part of this democratic conception, but a remnant of a theocratic demiurge that apparently delimits its commitment to full democracy. They are well aware of this and justify it in terms of "independence from American tutelage," preferring to consider their apostasy against democracy's princple of religious freedom as respect for cultural traits or sensitivity to the religious beliefs of others.

Yet if a newspaper like PDI or a writer like Conrado de Quiros, is not touched that editorial cartoonists now have a bounty on their heads by a mullah's fatwah, and calls for the beheading of journalists are to be heard in Makati's Central Business District, and if they continue to deny that this has anything to do with freedom of the press to criticize even a Religion with a billion adherents, then no wonder no one riots over how dangerous it is to be a journalist in the Philippines. Because even the journalists and the bloggers have largely decided to accept that it IS a dangerous place. that it should be a dangerous place because of those nasty Europeans and their Ugly American allies.

But here is how the Catolico cerrados who run Big Media in the Philippines took this bull by the horns and gored democracy in the gut with it. They preach tolerance for the murderously intolerant, because that ensures tolerance for the non-murderously intolerant -- like themselves, when it comes to religious issues in the broader society. Yet, in the final analysis, their "sensitivity" is like the sensitivity that exists in some families with a dysfunctional member, where alcoholism, drug addiction, sexual mania or other embarrassing "mental disorders" are firmly swept under the rug, tolerated, controlled, and "respected" all for the sake of respectability and cultural sensitivity.

What we learned from Flemming Rose of Jyllands Postens just a few days ago, was that he published the Mohammed Cartoons in order to criticize just this same kind of political correctness and a reluctance on the part of the Danish civil societies and media to confront, criticize and try to reform radical Islam within Denmark.

That is the same condition we face here in post-Edsa Syndrome Philippines and our response must be the same as Christopher Hitchens: STAND UP FOR DENMARK ... to which I must add, because we must stand up for ourselves, our beliefs, our "Religion"...

"THE RELIGION OF PATRIOTS IS DEMOCRACY ITSELF."

If no one in history has uttered these words, then let me claim them as my own. For my religion -- I have come to learn from the Danish cartoons of Mohammed -- is indeed, Democracy itself.

From reading and writing and thinking about this important global controversy, with its sustained, violent reaction from the Arab Street, I have come to a number of firm conclusions, clarifications and extensions to my personal understanding of certain key democratic principles and concepts.

(1) The most basic of all democratic rights are the Rights of Personal Privacy and Security granted to the smallest minority in a democratic society -- the individual human being as private citizen. Look at Article III, the Bill of Rights of the 1987 Philippine Constitution --

Section 1. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.

Section 2. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures of whatever nature and for any purpose shall be inviolable, and no search warrant or warrant of arrest shall issue except upon probable cause to be determined personally by the judge after examination under oath or affirmation of the complainant and the witnesses he may produce, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.

From these basic human rights of every private, atomic individual, flows all the other, more famous rights and freedoms...

(2) The exercise of the Freedom of the Press is clearly an exercise of Freedom of Speech. A newspaper, radio or television station is thus an exercise of Freedom of Peaceful Assembly -- Organized Speech and Opinion as it were.

(3) The exercise of the Freedom of Religion is also an exercise of the human right to hold a private belief or opinion about anything whatsoever and to be able to express it freely without fear. Which is what we have called the Freedom of Speech and Expression.

In the main and blogstream media, there has been mostly a contemptible silence or self-contradictory editorial and column writing on this fundamental issue that is both global and local at the same time.

I do not see how Edsa IV can possibly happen as Edsa I sentimentalists fervently wish, if its adherents would rather solve all political problems with "miracles."

Sliding Down to the Ranks of the Unfree

EMOCRACY in the Philippines is suffering from a major case of political thrombosis, eight months into a devastating crisis of legitimacy arising from the Garci Tape controversy. Declaring that she is still the best person to lead the country President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo told a luncheon meeting of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) that the country needs a new kind of People Power. Not a new Chief Executive -- which was the result in Edsa 1 and 2. She said she "intends to finish my term with a steady hand on the helm..." Meanwhile, at that very moment in the Supreme Court, and on behalf of the unanimous Senate, Joker Arroyo was delivering an Oral Argument for the declaration of Executive Order No. 464 (PDF) as an unconstitutional and unlawful gag order on members of the Executive Dept. who are forbidden by it from giving testimony in Congress without the permission of the President. In a sound bite that may have the same sting as Teofisto Guingona's "I accuse" speech against Joseph Estrada in 2000, Joker Arroyo has famously said that if the Supreme Court lets E.O. 464 stand the Philippines will have become a "QUASI-DICTATORSHIP." (This, from one of the President's staunchest allies in the Senate, and Chief House Prosecutor at Joseph Estrada's impeachment trial.) Well I guess that's sort of what FREEDOM HOUSE was saying when it downgraded the Philippines from the roster of Free nations to those of the Partly Free at the end of 2005.

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Rizalist Radio has this MP3 of a soundbite from yesterday's speech which has become all the rage and derision on AM Talk Shows this morning. Also from radio coverage of the President's speech today at the national heroes cemetery in Fort Bonifacio about one hour ago: Libingan ng mga Bayani MP3. President Arroyo quotes Ecclesiastes on the Anniversary of Edsa People Power I. I think of all the heroes beneath her feet and within earshot of these words...all those patriots, all those martyrs, her captive audience for a few minutes more in the delusion of heroism. You're headed for F-Minus in History, Ma'm. Ominously, the very first guest on Eli Saludar's show right after the President's speech was aired was Ka Roger Rosal of the NPA, who was being coy, but loves the titillating suggestion that the Magdalo/Oakwood soldiers are now under their mind-bending influence. Are they? It's an important question I am currently exploring...Strange how Lt. San Juan was caught in 20 days or so, while this fugitive spokesman of the terrorist NPA has been wanted for 20 years and is a daily presence on Philippine AM radio--which reaches into every jeepney and in the archipelago. [On Coups and Emergency Rule, check out ABSCBN News Anchor and Blogger RICKY CARANDANG REPORTING]

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MOCKERY OF FOES AND ALLIES ALIKE But Mrs. Arroyo mocked both erstwhile foes and allies alike during her speech at FOCAP yesterday. First by saying she "would not curtsy" to those who are telling and retelling each other about their heroic roles in the 1986 People Power overthrow of Ferdinand Marcos. I guess that would include folks like Cory Aquino, Fidel Ramos, Frank Drilon, Dinky Soliman, Jovito Salonga, and the rest of the Civil Society personalities, organizations, and other forces that helped to expel Marcos in 1986 and Joseph Estrada in 2001, elevating then Vice President Arroyo to the Presidency. These were her erstwhile allies, most of whom are now calling upon her to resign, along with a broad coalition of Philippine Society.

Pres. Arroyo also erased the Edsa 3 claimed by Joseph Estrada and his hard core supporters. She said, "The world embraced EDSA 1 in 1986. The world tolerated EDSA 2 in 2001. The world will not forgive an EDSA 3 but instead would condemn the Philippines as a country whose political system is hopelessly unstable." As if May 1, 2001 never actually happened! Though that event revealed how so-called People Power can indeed turn into a violent mob and did not results in a regme change, Edsa 3 has already happened, excuse me.

Pres. Arroyo said she had three areas of focus in year 2006: (1) the economy; (2) the war on terrorism; and (3) Charter Change initiatives. (something for everybody, something for America, something for the political Mafias)

On the economy, the real story is overseas Filipinos, who last year sent home 700 billion pesos (12 billion dollars), hard-earned in America (50% of the total), Saudi Arabia, Italy, Japan, Hong Kong and a hundred other countries. Curiously, the President was crowing about her Value Added Tax "reform" and how useful it will be to feed the poor, build them housing and schools, etc. Yet in more formal surroundings the VAT is supposed to take care of the huge fiscal deficit that only feeds the Congressional Pork Barrel of her allies. How true it is that something that starts as deficit reduction ends us increasing the deficit!

On terrorism this insipid and dishonest claim by Pres. Arroyo: ~"...We have stood shoulder to shoulder with our allies in the world in the fight against global terrorism, and so the world has stood shoulder to shoulder with us in the fight against political destabilization..."

What an atrocious double falsehood. President Arroyo stood "shoulder to shoulder" with whom ??? The truth is she negotiated with, and then capitulated to hooded Iraqi terrorists holding Angelo de la Cruz hostage??? Then she pulled out the small Philippine humanitarian contingent from Iraq upon the demand of the kidnappers, and to prevent being blamed should the hostage have been killed. It was a selfish act of imagined political self-preservation, for Filipinos it turned out were glad at the result but not at the self-serving manner that their President had done it. The freedom of Angelo de la Cruz came at a high price. The ransom paid was the Philippines' word of honor to its allies in the Coalition of the Willing. As for the reciprocation of those allies on the matter of her domestic political woes, I'm sure those allies know internal political struggles are really none of their business --except for the common danger this failed and heedless President IS to everybody.

On charter change, I stll believe the President is insincere about Chacha and is just throwing it into the mix this year as a kind of "bandwidth-killer" in Congress to help drown out the drum-beating for a second, better-executed impeachment attempt at midyear. It will keep Jose de Venecia and his moral midgets happily dreaming about becoming forefathers in a new French Eurostyle Parliament, and improve their vocabulary for the verbal jousting with the Opposition come Impeachment time in July, when the Constitution once more opens shop to see if Rule of Law can be put in the service of democratic regime change.

Gloriagate's Gordian Knot has tied the government up in a paralyzing case of gridlock with the issuance of Executive Order No. 464 late last year to save Secretary Norberto Gonzalez from the clutches of the evil, over-investigative Senate. As a consequence of this veritable gag order on government officials down to the lowest janitor, the 2006 national budget has not been passed. The Legislature can't get any information or testimony from the officials who are collectively asking for a TRILLION pesos from the people this year, a 12% increase over 2004-2005 eerily equal to the recently imposed Value Added Tax. Today, the Supreme Court hears oral arguments on the Senate's petition to have E.O. 464 declared unconstitutional. Senator Joker Arroyo, ironically the Chief Prosecutor in Erap's trial, (who walked out only to have GMA walk in), is the lead counsel and plaintiff before the High Court. It's Arroyo vs. Arroyo with Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban in betwixt.