Norberto Gonzales Jr, former national security adviser and defense secretary of ex-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, denied Tuesday his involvement in coup plots against President Benigno Aquino III but admitting being part of an initiative calling for the latter to step down.
“I will not be engaged in any coup and I will never support a coup because that is against my own principle,” Gonzales said in a television interview.
He, however, said Aquino should step down.
“Ako, aaminin ko, meron akong initiative na sinasalihan. Mga initiative ng Catholic and Protestant calling Pres. Aquino to step down. Hindi resign but step down. Ang ating religious leaders very precise. Hindi resignation ang gusto nila,” he said.
Gonzales said he attended a meeting in Cebu with Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal.
Gonzales said he wanted another people power revolution.
“I’m mobilizing our people. It is not a coup. It’s people power. Di ba kailangan natin yan?” he said, adding that he wanted to stabilize the nation.
He added that it should be the National Transformation Council that should take over.
Asked who would choose the members of the council, he said everything should left to God.
“Basta gusto natin Diyos na mamili ng mamumuno. We don’t trust anyone,” he said.
Gonzales said there were indeed plans from at least one more group for a coup.
"I wish I could help discourage them,” Gonzales said, adding that he never talked with any military official.
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Monday tagged Gonzales as one of those planning to oust the President.
Gonzales said he knew some of the persons planning a coup but added that he was confident it would not push through.
“May mga meron akong kakilala pero wag ka mag alala, di matutuloy because they are not credible,” Gonzales said.
He added that the government should take seriously what Sen Miriam Defensor Santiago is saying regarding the alleged coup.
“May mga meron akong kakilala pero wag ka mag alala, di matutuloy because they are not credible,” Gonzales said.
He added that the government should take seriously what Sen Miriam Defensor Santiago is saying regarding the alleged coup.
“She does not talk out of thin air. If she speaks, she has basis,” Gonzales said.
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