Gaudencio Pangilinan
Major General Gaudencio Pangilinan, AFP Vice Chief of Operations, boasts before journalists yesterday that the AFP will teach Maguindanaoans ” how to conduct a clean and credible elections.”
Pangilinan propose that the declaration of martial rule in Maguindanao be extended up to the May polls, or five months–three months longer than the 60 days allowed by the 1987 Constitution.
Pangilinan might have forgotten one thing—the determination of whether this Proclamation be extended or that elections be “clean and credible” lies not in the range of responsibilities by the military because this lies within the realm of civilian authority.
What is “clean and credible” to Pangilinan might not be “clean and credible” to others, especially non-combatants. For example, will Pangilinan say the polls are clean and credible when supposed enemies of the State, like Leftists, win the elections?
Or Pangilinan’s “clean standard” might mean the victory of his political choices?
This is the problem right now. These soldiers are now being given a taste of how to administer a particular territory. What would prevent them from actually planning to administer all other areas in the country?
December 6th, 2009 @ Ricky Rivera
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