Malacanang Palace
Manila

Proclamation No. 1017
Proclamation Declaring a State of National Emergency

WHEREAS, over these past months, elements in the political opposition have conspired with authoritarians of the extreme Left represented by the NDF-CPP-NPA and the extreme Right, represented by military adventurists---the historical enemies of the democratic Philippine State---who are now in a tactical alliance and engaged in a concerted and systematic conspiracy, over a broad front, to bring down the duly constituted Government elected in May 2004.

WHEREAS, these conspirators have repeatedly tried to bring down the President;

WHEREAS, the claims of these elements have been recklessly magnified by certain segments of the national media;

WHEREAS, this series of actions is hurting the Philippine State---by obstructing governance including hindering the growth of the economy and sabotaging the people’s confidence in government and their faith in the future of this country;

WHEREAS, these actions are adversely affecting the economy;

WHEREAS, these activities give totalitarian forces of both extreme Left and extreme Right the opening to intensify their avowed aims to bring down the democratic Philippine State;

WHEREAS, Article 2, section 4 of our Constitution makes the defense and preservation of the democratic institutions and the State the primary duty of Government;

WHEREAS, the activities above-described, their consequences, ramifications and collateral effects constitute a clear and present danger to the safety and integrity of the Philippine State and the Filipino people;

NOW THEREFORE, I, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President of the Republic of the Philippines and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested upon me by Section 18, Article 7 of the Philippine Constitution states that: “The President...whenever it becomes necessary...may call out (the) armed forces to prevent or suppress...rebellion...,” and in my capacity as their Commander in Chief, do hereby command the Armed Forces to maintain law and order throughout the Philippines, prevent or suppress all forms of lawless violence as well (as) any act of insurrection or rebellion and to enforce obedience to all laws and to all decrees, orders and regulation promulgated by me personally or upon my direction; and as provided in Section 17, Article 12 of the Constitution do hereby declare a State of National Emergency.

IN WITNESS HEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.

Done in the City of Manila, this 24th day of February, in the year of Our Lord, two thousand and six.



GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO
President
Republic of the Philippines

There are so many reasons why I do not agree AT ALL, Mrs. President, with this proclamation of 'state of national emergency'....I would not even go through details....I just hope that you know that one way or another....the whole Philippines will get to their senses and throw you out as president, even if you retaliate with your kick-ass smart moves....you are just a servant of the public....you do not have the power....the people HAVE the power, Mrs. President....I do hope that you will have better judgement to act according to what the people need the most....and that is for you to step down....no one believes you anymore...you are merely using this 'Proclamation 1017' for your own sake, to retain your position....but I ask you....what is it in your position that you love so much, that you desperately cling on to your throne?....so you actually believe that you can lead this nation? Do you have the power to do so? And are you sincere enough for us to keep you in your position, to lead us and govern us towards a common goal, as a Filipino nation? Or is it just the more glorious rewards that come along with your presidency that makes you abuse all of the 'powers vested upon you by the constitution'? And I ask, too, is this 'power' of yours even rightfully gained by you? Or did you just fool all of us Filipinos, all of the WORLD even?

I believe, Mrs. President, that you wouldn't even have called this proclamation if you were not scared of the people uncovering all your lies and deception. Because if you truly believe that you are sincere enough to lead us, to serve the Filipino people honestly, to use the power you have rightfully gained (if it is really rightfully gained), then there would have been no basis for you to call Proclamation 1017. You are now probably scared of the people, and sensing the people's power...well, you should be.