MANILA - Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro on Thursday belied a warning issued by his predecessor, Avelino 'Nonong' Cruz, that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo plans to declare martial law.

"Sa tingin ko, haka-haka lang iyan eh (It's just mere speculation)," Teodoro told radio dzMM on Thursday in reaction to Cruz's warning about President Arroyo's possible declaration of martial law to prevent the 2010 elections.

He also assured the public that Cruz's fears of martial law, which the former defense chief based on "disturbing trends," will not happen in the immediate future. (Read: 'Martial law bigger danger than Con-ass')

"He will not be able to get any basis from the armed forces [to declare martial law] because there is really no such plan," Teodoro said.

He added: "That kind of statement is politicizing the military. Its only purpose is to politicize the issue."

In a forum on Martial Law organized by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Cruz called on the military to shun "patently unlawful orders" from their superiors. He also said that he has become suspicious of Mrs. Arroyo's penchant for appointing military and police generals to key government posts. (Read: Cruz to soldiers: 'Disobey unlawful orders')

“Through the years, we have gotten used to getting mixed signals from this government. What can we make of this latest announcement from President Arroyo that the 2010 elections would proceed? Can we trust her word this time? Or is the public again being lulled into complacency?” the former defense chief said. (Read Avelino's speech: A Call for Vigilance)

Teodoro, meanwhile, said that making a prediction that Mrs. Arroyo would make unlawful orders in the future is unfair.

However, he said the declaration of martial law, since it is a prerogative of a President, can be declared anytime "depending on the situation."

He said no one should tie Mrs. Arroyo's hand from using her authority to declare martial law as it is provided in the Constitution. He, however, assured that Mrs. Arroyo would not use this power for her own political means.

Asked what could have been Cruz's motive, Teodoro said his predecessor could have been caught by the political season as he is reportedly has become an ally of another presidentiable.

Radio dzMM asked if the presidentiable he was referring to was Sen. Mar Roxas, the defense chief replied, "Maybe."