Emergency powers will only relieve Gloria’s thirst for power – Anakpawis, KMU

“It is not the energy shortage in Mindanao that Secretary Angelo Reyes and his cohorts want to relieve, but Gloria’s thirst for power.” This is the reaction of Anakpawis Partylist and Kilusang Mayo Uno to the possibility that President Arroyo will declare a state of emergency in Mindanao to supposedly solve the energy shortage in time for the coming elections.

The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) has recently discovered the existence of 40,000 double registrants and dead voters in Davao alone.

“Why are special powers still needed? Gloria already has the power to mobilize responsible agencies. It’s a basic government responsibility to ensure sufficient energy supply in the whole country and the successful holding of elections. The problem, it seems, is that Gloria does not want successful elections,” said Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairperson.

“Gloria’s hold on power is bordering on emergency levels because her term is nearing its end. That’s why her regime will most likely maneuver to sabotage the elections and prevent a peaceful transfer of power.

“It is ironic that the regime has the gall to be caught doing its dirty work in Mindanao – this, after the Maguindanao massacre which again showed the dirty brand of politics that it upholds. Gloria must really be getting more desperate,” added Labog.

It is said that in using emergency powers, the government will convene Congress to discuss possible sources of additional energy.

“We also know that Gloria has long been trying to ram Cha-cha through, which she will use to remain in power and bribe foreign business to support her. It is not a far-fetched possibility that remaining in power is her objective in using emergency powers and in convening Congress,” said Rep. Joel Maglunsod of Anakpawis Partylist.

“Emergency powers, 40,000 fake voters, the threat of Cha-cha, defective election machines, and martial law in Maguindanao – all the ingredients are there for us to worry,” said Maglunsod.

“But these moves also give us reasons to be more vigilant and militant – especially as the election nears.” #