MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang dispelled yesterday fears that martial law would be declared before President Arroyo ends her term next year, even as it called on the people to remain vigilant against oppression and attacks on democracy as the nation remembers the declaration of martial law 37 years ago today.

Gary Olivar, presidential economic affairs spokesman, dismissed warnings of another martial law before June next year.

“This (declaration) of martial law is not done without any reason,” he said. “If there are those who are saying that, we must ask what are their motives in spreading such rumors.”

Speaking over government-run radio dzRB, Olivar said the anniversary of the declaration of martial law on Sept. 21, 1972 should make people uphold the principles of democracy and human rights.

“Let’s not allow the dark days of martial law to return,” he said.

Olivar said the automated elections next year will push through and the political processes appear to be in order.

“So we don’t see any reason for these kinds of suspicions,” he said.

Meanwhile, protesters are set to march to Chino Roces Bridge across Malacañang today.

Protest-initiator Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) dared presidential aspirants in next year’s elections to pursue justice for the alleged human rights victims of the Arroyo administration.

Renato Reyes Jr., Bayan secretary general, said they must make sure that justice is achieved for victims of the Marcos dictatorship, as well as the hundreds of victims of unexplained killings and enforced disappearances under the present government.

“We join the nation in commemorating this dark period in our nation’s history with the strong resolve to never again allow the terror of martial rule to be imposed on the Filipino people. We ask those aspiring for office to make the same pledge,” he said.

“There also has to be a commitment that human rights violators from the Arroyo government will be made accountable.

“The present tragedy is that justice has long been denied for the Marcos rights victims. It would be another tragedy if the same fate befell the Arroyo regime’s victims.”

Reyes said those vowing to bring change to Malacañang must place human rights and justice on top of their agenda.

The accountability of public officials involved in various atrocities, from the time of Marcos to Mrs. Arroyo, must form part of the platform of the presidential aspirants, he added.

Reyes criticized Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro for his apparent lack of interest in going after human rights violators.

“He continues to defend the Armed Forces of the Philippines against allegations of human rights abuses,” he said.

“He will also most likely rely on the support of the military for his electoral bid. We already know Teodoro is pro-US.

“We are watching if he also has a militarist streak. He should at least clarify what he will do to resolve the issues involving the Marcos wealth and the Marcos victims.”

On the other hand, Bayan said Liberal Party bet Sen. Benigno Aquino III has made a strong commitment to recover the Marcos ill-gotten wealth.

However, it has yet to see how Aquino would resolve the conflict at his family’s Hacienda Luisita, where at least 14 farmers, workers, and supporters died during a protest a few years ago, Bayan added.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile has warned that a failure of elections would lead to a power vacuum and cause the military to install the next president.

Youth organizations will hold a “peace mosaic activity” at the Quezon Memorial Circle today.

Yesterday, the eve of the martial law declaration, Father Robert Reyes led a marathon against martial law from the University of the Philippines in Diliman to the Quezon Memorial Circle, both in Quezon City. — With Katherine Adraneda