Makati rally vs con-ass raises martial law bogey

MANILA, Philippines - Fears that the government will use Wednesday’s rally against constituent assembly to declare martial law loomed over the weekend, with the Catholic Bishop’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) appealing to the rallyists to keep the activity peaceful. “Express it in a peaceful non-violent way in order that we may not fall into the trap that will necessitate Martial Law again," said CBCP president Archbishop Angel Lagdameo in an article on the CBCP Web site. This prompted militant groups to promise on Sunday to keep the rally in Makati City peaceful and orderly despite the “outrage" over the government’s moves to amend the 1987 Constitution. “The rallies are expected to be peaceful and organized, but the outrage will certainly be there," said Renato Reyes Jr., secretary general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, in a statement. Reyes said the rally would push through “rain or shine," and that his group had already applied for a rally permit before the Makati City government. He also said organizers of the activity would hold a dialogue with the Philippine National Police (PNP) in preparation for the event. The rally was organized after the House of Representatives approved late Tuesday night House Resolution 1109, which seeks to convene a constituent assembly that will amend the Constitution. Leftist organizations and anti-Charter change personalities believe the move was part of Malacañang’s grand plan to extend the term of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo beyond 2010. Malacañang has repeatedly denied this allegation, but Reyes said that’s “pure hogwash." “The Palace is not involved? That’s pure hogwash. Nobody believes them. You can see by the way the Lower House rushed the measure," he said. Lagdameo said the CBCP is standing firm in its position against Charter change before the 2010 national elections. “If there should be (a constituent assembly), let it be after 2010 and via a constitutional convention whose delegates are democratically elected by the people," he said. - GMANews.TV