Mawab, Davao de Oro—Partido Reporma standard-bearer Panfilo “Ping” Lacson assured Filipinos democracy will be preserved and protected under his administration as he rejected outright concerns about bringing back the dark days of Martial law.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of his campaign rally at the Lorenzo National High School here, Saturday, Lacson said imposing military rule or going the authoritarian route has never crossed his mind
“No. Definitely, democracy will be preserved. No Martial law, no dictatorship,” he said.
The presidential aspirant explained that the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which was enacted after the fall of the Marcos dictatorship, already established certain guidelines on when to declare martial law that has essentially made it almost a non-option.
“It can only last for 60 days and it has to be validated by Congress. Also, the Bill of Rights is well-entrenched. It won’t be touched. You cannot arrest just anyone even if there is a state of Martial law,” Lacson said.
Martial law, he added, may only be proclaimed in cases of invasion or rebellion where public safety is in danger.
Lacson has repeatedly announced in public that he plans to lead the country by enforcing strict discipline among government officials, employees, police, and the military, to prevent the abuses and corrupt practices that for years have been tolerated or even encouraged during past presidencies.
“We should really dismiss or cleanse [the government]) of inept, corrupt, undisciplined officials and employees,” he said.