Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Tuesday claimed that some retired associated with former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo are plotting against the Aquino administration.
A report on GMA News TV's News TV Live quoted Trillanes, a former Navy officer, as alleging that these retired generals are meeting with active military officials and egging them to destabilize the government.
Trillanes, however, did not name the retired generals.
In the same television report, Trillanes believed that any destabilization efforts against the Aquino administration will fail.
Incidentally, Trillanes was jailed during the Arroyo administration for his involvement in the July 2003 Oakwood mutiny. He was again charged in connection with the Manila Peninsula standoff in November 2007. Trillanes was later freed from detention in December 2010.
Reached for comments, lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, legal counsel of Mrs. Arroyo, dismissed Trillanes' claims.
“I think Senator Trillanes does not have any idea of what he is talking about. He does not know the first thing about coup d'etat. The so-called coup he planned and participated in were lousy and ended miserably for him with his tail behind his legs. He does not know whereof he speaks,” Topacio said in a text message as reported by GMA News TV's News Tv Live.
Just last week, Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. denied rumors of a coup after the Supreme Court voted unanimously to strike down as unconstitutional specific acts under the Aquino administration's Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).
"Walang coup," Catapang said. "We are focused on our job kasi may mas malaki tayong hinaharap."
Incidentally, Trillanes was jailed during the Arroyo administration for his involvement in the July 2003 Oakwood mutiny. He was again charged in connection with the Manila Peninsula standoff in November 2007. Trillanes was later freed from detention in December 2010.
Reached for comments, lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, legal counsel of Mrs. Arroyo, dismissed Trillanes' claims.
“I think Senator Trillanes does not have any idea of what he is talking about. He does not know the first thing about coup d'etat. The so-called coup he planned and participated in were lousy and ended miserably for him with his tail behind his legs. He does not know whereof he speaks,” Topacio said in a text message as reported by GMA News TV's News Tv Live.
Just last week, Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. denied rumors of a coup after the Supreme Court voted unanimously to strike down as unconstitutional specific acts under the Aquino administration's Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).
"Walang coup," Catapang said. "We are focused on our job kasi may mas malaki tayong hinaharap."
[Video news report]
Meanwhile, Armed Forces public information chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala maintained that they have not monitored any destabilization efforts among active members of the military.
“There is no recruitment nor any move within the active service to do such (activities). On the retired (officers), as you know once you are member of the military, there are certain liberties that you've surrendered such as freedom of speech, freedom to assemble. However, the retired (officers) have regained that already so they may speak, they can attend rallies,” Zagala said during a press conference.
“But as far as destabilization within the ranks of the AFP, there is none. Now, if the retired (officers) wish to speak against the government or conduct rallies, that is inherent in our Bill of Rights. We have no control over them,” he added.
Zagala likewise said there is no restriction for active officers to meet with retired officers, although he cautioned those still in the service to be more 'discerning.'
“We advise our officers to be discerning and we are confident that the level of professionalism is very high that's why there are no news of any destablization plot within the active service,” he said.
On the retired officers allegedly critical of the Aquino administration, Zagala said: “As long as they don't instigate taking of arms, I don't think we will have a problem. I think it is but natural for our retired (officers) to speak on issues. The active (officers) they also have opinions, however they should keep it to themselves."
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