Manila, Philippines - Four presidential candidates have condemned the idea of setting up a military junta in the event of a failed May 10 presidential polls.

The four--Senators Ma. Ana Consuelo "Jamby" Madrigal, Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, Manuel "Manny" B. Villar Jr., former President Joseph E. Estrada--were one in opposing the setting up of a military junta if no winner is declared proclaimed when President Arroyo's term ends on June 30.

"Iresponsable po yan...Ayon sa Saligang Batas, the military is sole protector of the people," said Aquino of the Liberal Party. "Pag ganon, anarchy na. (That's irresponsible. Under the Constitution, the military is the sole protector of the people. If not, anarchy could reign.)"

Estrada, who's running under his party Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino, expressed hope that such an event would not lead to violence. "Sana hindi magkagulo (I hope this would not lead to violence)," he said.

Another candidate, Villar of the Nacionalista Party, declared he would oppose the setting up of a military junta. "Patuloy po nating lalabanan ito (I will continually oppose this)," he said, adding that he would file the appropriate charges against those behind the junta.

Madrigal also opposed it. The lady senator, who described Villar as "tuta ng administrasyon" (administration lapdog), expressed doubt that Villar would be true to his word.

The four candidates, who were on the campaign trail in central and Northern Luzon, gave their reactions after being told that

Deputy Presidential spokesperson Charito Planas warned during a press conference last week that a junta could take over the government if no presidential candidate is declared winner in the May 10 polls.

After the warning, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) denied that they were behind the idea of setting up a junta, adding that the military would oppose such an attempt to take over the government.