Generals oppose military takeover if polls fail
MANILA, Philippines - High ranking military officers are against the Armed Forces taking power in the event of a failure in the country's first every automated polls in May.
Members of the Association of Generals and Flag Officers said they themselves would block any attempt to transfer power to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The reaction came a day after Palace Deputy Spokeswoman Charito Planas raised the possibility of a military junta if no new president is declared by June.
Planas said the junta will fill the power vaccum left by the President, Vice-President and House Speaker whose terms end simultaneously.
Several national candidates, meanwhile, had different reactions to reports of a possible military takeover in case elections fail this May.
Lakas-Kampi CMD vice-presidential candidate Edu Manzano said reports of a possible military junta could be part of conspiracy theories meant to undermine the upcoming electoral exercise.
Former Senate President Franklin Drilon, who is running for senator this May, said the people "will go out in the streets once the military junta is enforced should the elections fail."
For his part, senatorial candidate Brig. Gen. Danny Lim said Malacañang is preconditioning the people's mind to a possible failure of elections. "Who will orchestrate the taking over of a military junta? Your guess is as good as mine," he said.
Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales said he too will not support a military takeover. He said members of the AFP are more preoccupied with ensuring peaceful elections in May.
Gonzales said the Arroyo administration is looking forward to transfer power to the new administration as scheduled. “Our term ends in June 30. We are looking forward to a smooth transition of power on that day,” he said.
He said the worst thing that can happen is that the elections would not be automated in 20% to 30% of the precincts because of problems with transmission.
He said the military will be ready to render assistance in the event there is incomplete automation of the elections. “The Armed Forces will be there to assist the Commission on Elections to keep the election orderly and clean in areas where there will be problem in proceeding with automated voting.”
Last week, Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said Armed Forces chief Gen. Delfin Bangit and his classmates at the Philippine Military Academy class 1978 could back a plan by President Arroyo to stay in power in case of election failure.
Bangit is described by some quarters as a loyal follower of the President, who remains hounded by allegations that she rigged the results of the 2004 elections. Bangit’s class has adopted the President as an honorary member.
The prominent members of the class are Army chief Lt. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu, Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena, Southern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Roland Detabali, Central Command chief Lt. Gen. Ralph Villanueva, Intelligence Service of the AFP chief Maj. Gen. Romeo Prestoza and National Capital Region Command chief Rear Admiral Feliciano Angue.
Gonzales said it was presumptuous to assume that the military establishment will be used to keep the President in power.
“Let’s not talk about failure of election. Comelec does not see any possibility of such occurrence, and we believe Comelec in that. Government is not preparing for any failure of election because it will not happen. There is no need to do so,” he said.
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BE STRONG
It just shows you how devious the present administration is, they even start to soften people up for the possibility of an election failure, so that IF it happens they can come forward and say:
See we told you, and now we keep power and take care of business “
All I hope for is that the people are strong and mostly smart, that they elect the right person who will not only lead this great nation into a great future, but also eradicate the memories and the failure of the present administration.
Also I hope that the new President will be honest and strong, he/she should not rule for what’s good for the Swiss bank accounts of the people in power , but what is needed to further educate the people, bring peace to the struggling South and assure the future of the most important asset any country has, their children.
Strengthen the educational system, which is rubbish right now, with some teachers are paid less then a taxi drivers. Remember those teachers are the tools god gave you all to assure that the Philippines youth is getting what they need to run the country in the future.
Do you always want to have people like GMA or Marcos as your leaders???
Have government officials who don’t give a hoop about YOU but only about their and their family’s foreign bank accounts????
Have unrest throughout the country with all the clans, terrorist, and people who think that they are above the law because they are rich or have connection to the corrupt government???
Pinoy’s think hard before you cast your vote in May, think hard and see not only what’s best for a single person right now, but what’s good for your beautiful country and all of your future.
My heart will be with all of you and PLEASE, PLEASE make the right choice.
BE STRONG