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PPI statement on the declaration of a state of national emergency


Philippine Press Institute (newspapers' group) statement: The Supreme Court ruled after the siege of Malacañang on May 21, 2001, that a declaration of a state of national emergency does not add or subtract a whit to and from the powers of the Presidency. The declaration, the court said, but constitutes a statement of fact, a description of prevailing conditions that require the commander-in-chief to call out the military to suppress lawless violence. So we view with grave concern government attempts to curtail the citizenry's constitutionally guaranteed rights, including the right of expression and the right to assemble peacefully to seek redress of grievances. Permits to rallies marking the 20th anniversary of the Edsa 1 People Power Revolt have been revoked. At this very moment police and military officials are talking about arresting alleged participants and purported supporters of a supposed coup attempt. Palace officials are threatening to take over public utilities, especially media. Such naked assaults on civil liberties should be condemned. Twenty-years ago, the people threw out a dictatorship. We should not allow –nay, we should resist – a return to those dark days of repression. We are not destabilizers or coup plotters. Our duty in the media is to report as truthfully as we could, guided by our best lights. We are threatened with closure, and those who fear the truth might temporarily succeed in stilling our voices. Lies, however, will in time be exposed. But enough of the counsels of fear and despair. Our commitment is to the truth. And while we have the room, however being constricted, nothing will bar us from pursuing our duty.