Emergency powers for power crisis prelude to ‘longer darkness’ - KMU

Filipinos would be suffering another decade of Gloria Arroyo’s dark rule if she would be allowed to use emergency powers amid the worsening power situation in many parts of the country, labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno warned today.

“Instead of solving rotating brownouts and power shortage in many parts of the country, emergency powers in Arroyo’s hands would only serve to prolong darkness in the country. She will definitely use it to perpetuate herself in power,” said KMU chairperson Elmer “Bong” Labog.

“If she is granted emergency powers, Arroyo may use the broad powers to fine-tune sabotage operations for the May 10 elections. Worse, she may directly use the declaration to proclaim a martial rule to escape prosecution and punishment and to rule beyond 2010. That makes emergency powers scarier that the current power crisis,” he added.

KMU noted that Arroyo has gravely abused her executive discretion in the past for her selfish interests. In 2006, Arroyo declared Proclamation No. 1017 or state of national emergency to brutally crush the mounting protests for her ouster.

In the aftermath of the massacre of 57 people in Maguindanao, Arroyo used a state of emergency declaration in the province to cover up poll fraud paraphernalia, which included ballot boxes and government firearms, unearthed in Ampatuan’s residence.

“She has used emergency powers in the past for survival’s sake. Now, she is more than willing to use it again to get a new lease of dark reign and evade prosecution and punishment for her countless crimes against the people,” Labog said.

“In the face of slim chances of winning for administration bet Gilbert Teodoro and of an ever-mounting people’s rage against her bankrupt regime, Arroyo is now tinkering with the emergency button. The grave danger is that she can press the emergency button anytime.” 

“That is why the Filipino workers and people should intensify vigilance on Arroyo’s various schemes to stay in power. We should never let our guards down even as the campaign period rolls,” he added. 

KMU warned lawmakers against egging the President to use emergency powers in the face of a power crisis, saying another People Power would explode if they grant Arroyo her dark wish and she uses it to blatantly advance her interests. #