Rep. Rafael Mariano of the Anakpawis (toiling masses) party-list described Oct. 14 the “stern” warning by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s allies against the “option” to declare martial law as “tremors of a political earthquake that will rock Malacanang.”

If the president declares martial law or national emergency while Congress is not in session, Mariano cited “three scenarios of resistance:” “Senate President Franklin Drilon and House Speaker Jose de Venecia must immediately convene Congress; the people must resist Macapagal-Arroyo’s dictatorial rule through the intensification of street protests; and the Armed Forces must uphold the Constitution and defy an illegal and unconstitutional order coming from an illegitimate commander-in-chief.”

However, Mariano warned that “a declaration of martial law will further widen the cracks within the administration.” (Bulatlat.com)

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