So many problems that cannot be quickly solved
PRESIDENT Duterte was delivering a speech in Palawan last week when he warned he may suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus and mount a revolutionary war if he is pushed to the wall by those standing in the way of his drive against drugs, criminality, government corruption, and his latest order to review government contracts with private firms.
Instead of silencing critics, however, the threat of a revolutionary war drew further criticism. Vice President Leni Robredo, for one, said that if that should happen – the President leading a revolutionary war – that would make her the acting president of the constitutional government.
In an earlier era, a strong president – Ferdinand Marcos – used martial law, as provided in the 1935 Constitution, to assume strong government powers in 1972. He abolished Congress and went on to rule the country under martial law for nine years, followed by a form of authoritarian government for another five years, until he was ousted by the People Power Revolution of 1986.
To ensure that martial law would never again be used by any strong president to assume dictatorial powers, the new Constitution of 1987 put so many limitations on its use. It could be proclaimed only in case of rebellion or invasion. Congress would
meet within 60 days and could vote to revoke the proclamation.
There are no such limitations on a revolutionary war, but that would mean setting aside the Constitution. That would mean setting aside the established government. That would mean an entirely new government, unencumbered by the present rules and restrictions in our Constitution. The New People’s Army and Communist Party of the Philippines are fighting such a revolutionary war and if they win, they would set up a revolutionary government.
The President, very probably, did not have such a radical move in mind. He simply was exasperated that the reforms he wanted for the country cannot be quickly carried out. Last Wednesday, he declared that his war on drugs was being sabotaged by rogue cops, officials and members of the Philippine National Police.
The country is truly suffering from so many big problems that cannot be quickly solved. President Duterte, a least, has made a big start that has exposed the magnitude of the reforms that must be carried out. The problems cannot be solved overnight but we are today very deeply aware of the many ills facing our nation and we must look forward to succeeding leaders who will carry on what President Duterte has started.