The bogey of a martial law declaration supposedly by President Arroyo will remain a “figment of imagination” of her critics, Malacañang said on Monday.

Deputy Presidential Spokesman Anthony Golez said the President has no reason to impose martial law in the country, adding that the supposed return to oppression has often been raised by the opposition to undermine her administration.

“The imposition of martial law is a figment of somebody’s imagination to begin with. The martial law issue is an issue for all seasons so anytime the opposition needs an issue against the President, they float such scenario,” he said in a news conference in the Palace.

Golez insisted that the martial law declared by President Marcos in September 1972, which triggered human rights violations, will not happen under President Arroyo’s watch despite speculations about her alleged authoritarian tendencies against the political opposition and other enemies of the state.

“There is no point. Why the President or why this government will or should impose martial law?” he said.

Under on the Constitution, Golez said, the President cannot declare martial law without the consent of the two houses of Congress.

Last weekend, Malacanang guaranteed that the country will remain a martial law-free nation in the President’s remaining months of office.

Deputy Presidential Spokesman Gary Olivar however said the public must remain vigilant against any form of oppressions and other threats to the country’s democracy.

President Arroyo has previously been criticized for her alleged dictatorial tendencies when she placed the country under a state of emergency amid threats from coup plotters.

Mrs. Arroyo, who suffers from low popularity due to allegations of election fraud and corruption, also drew flak for alleged human rights abuses, including iron fist measures against anti-government protesters.

Malacañang, meanwhile, said they have not yet received any police report about the alleged presence of Jemaah Islamiyah militants in Metro Manila.

In case this is true, Golez said the military and police remain on guard against lawless elements but urged the public to cooperate with authorities to help prevent any terror attacks in the capital.