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Monday, July 24, 2006
Ex-defense chief repeats appeal for Arroyo's ouster
FORMER Defense secretary Fortunato Abat renewed his call for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on the eve of her State of the Nation Address (Sona) last Sunday, saying the country is in a "state of destabilization" brought about by a number of issues.
"I would like to renew my call for her (President Arroyo) resignation. I'm still for that. I've not changed my position on that. I believe Gloria is the problem and we cannot rid the problem unless she resigns," Abat said.
Abat, who also served as ambassador to China during the Marcos government, began calling for the resignation of the President since the controversial "Hello Garci" tape came out in the public in June last year.
The tapes contained wiretapped telephone conversations between the President and former elections commissioner Virgillio Garcillano, wherein they were heard discussing the rigging of the 2004 presidential elections.
Abat, who played a key role in the ouster of former President Joseph Estrada that paved Arroyo's rise to power in January 2001, said the country will remain under a "state of destabilization" unless the issue on the 2004 elections is not addressed.
He also cited the case of former Agriculture undersecretary Jocelyn "Joc-joc" Bolante who is accused of diverting fertilizer funds to finance the candidacy of the President in 2004, the Venable Lobby scandal, the obstruction of the impeachment of the President, and the non-release of the report of the fact-finding board that investigated four generals, including new Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Hermogenes Esperon, who allegedly helped in the manipulation of the results of the 2004 elections to ensure the President's victory.
The fact-finding investigation was headed by former AFP inspector general now Navy Chief Vice Admiral Mateo Mayuga. The board announced the clearing of the four generals in April, citing lack of witnesses against them.
"So long as the 2004 issue, Bolanta case, Mayuga report, Venable Lobby not settled (and) search for truth by impeachment impeded, destabilization will not stop. President Arroyo has been the source of the destabilization, naturally there will be counter-destabilization," said Abat.
Abat is one of the many retired military generals calling for the resignation of the President. He had been arrested and charged with sedition in December after he was proclaimed by critics as head of a transition government.
One of the generals, former Constabulary chief Ramon Montano was also arrested by the police without warrant in February after President Arroyo declared a state of emergency aimed at quelling a planned power grab. (VR/Sunnex)
(July 24, 2006 issue)
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