EO 464, Proclamation 1017, atbp

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FVR on emergency declaration: "overkill"
Posted By Vinia Datinguinoo
Filed under In the News, State of National Emergency

FORMER president Fidel Ramos says Proclamation No. 1017 is an overkill reaction to the threats being faced by Malacañang."It's an overkill," Ramos said in an interview with ANC (ABS-CBN)."And I emphasize the kill there."

He asked, "Why can't she (President Arroyo) be like Cory (former president), who was cool under fire?" Ramos referred to the several coup attempts against the Aquino presidency.

At the most, he said, what the Arroyo government uncovered yesterday (Friday) was a "coup plot, not an attempt." "Why is everybody in Malacañang panicky? It's unfair to the people."

Ramos said he was "surprised, appalled, dismayed" about the proclamation.He said he hopes the administration will immediately issue implementing rules and regulations to clarify what he called "the broad guidelines and legal mysteries" brought about by the proclamation.

This is important, he said, so that both the armed forces and the civilian population will understand the limits of the declaration. The president must also make a clear pronouncement "about how long this will persist as an emergency," Ramos said.

Following the president's declaration Saturday morning, rallies through Edsa and other areas were met harshly by the police, with several organizers picked up for questioning; the office of The Daily Tribune newspaper was raided by members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

In quite a jovial mood during the interview, Ramos did not mince words, retelling attempts by the president's allies for him to come to the Palace Friday and join them.

"They wanted me to come, but no, no, not this time. I saw myself again as being used as a prop."

Asked if he personally feels threatened by the declaration of a state of emergency, Ramos quipped, "I'm not feeling threatened. Senior citizens are usually not scared of anything."

He scolded President Arroyo for canceling the scheduled programs for Saturday’s anniversary of the fall of Marcos.

"Of course I'm happy,because I wouldn't have to give a speech anymore and maybe then playgolf after this interview. But I think she's killing the spirit ofEdsa." (EHEMgroups)