Makati mayor hits ‘martial law’

MANILA, Philippines - Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. condemned yesterday the deployment of Special Action Force (SAF) police commandos on the grounds of City Hall, which has created a “sinister atmosphere of martial law.”

Binay said he is readying contempt charges against the police ground commander for ignoring the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Court of Appeals (CA).

He asked the CA’s sixth division yesterday to cite Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Manuel Roxas II and five others in contempt for questioning and defying the TRO.

“Indeed, respondents have blatantly displayed their lack of respect for the Honorable Court as they arbitrarily, whimsically and capriciously substitute their own opinion for the Honorable Court’s judicial pronouncement,” read the petition.

“For their utter failure to comply with the Honorable Court’s resolution granting the application for TRO, it is imperative that contempt proceedings be commenced against respondents for their contumacious and willful disobedience to the Honorable Court’s lawful order.”

Binay also sought contempt charges against Makati Vice Mayor Romulo Peña, DILG National Capital Region director Renato Brion, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRO) Director Carmelo Valmoria and Southern Police District Director Henry Ranola and police ground commander Sr. Supt. Elmer Jamias.

Despite the TRO last Monday, police – upon orders of the DILG and instructions from Valmoria and Jamias – continued to barricade the entrance to Makati City Hall Building I, he added.

‘A more sinister plot’

Binay sees “a more sinister plot” of the DILG to install Peña as acting mayor despite the TRO.

“I appeal to the DILG not to demean our police force and accord them the respect and dignity they deserve,” he said. “These men and women, especially the SAF, have already proven that they are ready to lay down their lives for the nation.”

Binay said Jamias is “lording it over” city government offices and facilities.

“Is it really necessary for Col. Jamias to go around City Hall premises with armed PNP personnel?” he asked. “They should stop pretending that they are here to maintain peace and order.”

Binay said the DILG is resorting to its own interpretation of the law instead of seeking clarification from the courts.

“Sec. Mar Roxas himself had said that no one is above the law,” he said. “I hope he would be true to his words. If the DILG has questions, they must seek the answers from the court and not resort to their own interpretation.”

Jamias brushed aside Binay’s allegation that police have imposed a virtual “martial law” at the Makati City Hall grounds.

“Who is he (Binay) to question my authority as ground commander?” he asked. – With Edu Punay, Michael Punongbayan, Delon Porcalla, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Jose Rodel Clapano