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Monday, February 18, 2008
Military cadets, alumni told to be loyal to gov't
By Jane Cadalig
BAGUIO CITY -- As if to defray the tension now bugging government, Sunday's key message to the alumni of the country's premiere military institution dwelt on the supposed economic stability the country is now experiencing.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita discussed the country's economic progress as he delivered his speech before the cadets and alumni of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), while rallying them to be "loyal to leadership."
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Ermita was the guest of honor during the PMA Alumni homecoming Sunday. He replaced the President who cancelled her attendance to the affair, reportedly due to plans by rebel groups to assassinate her.
"Slowly and surely, we are succeeding in our economic goals and this is being recognized by the global financial institutions," Ermita said.
While boosting the country's "economic stability", Ermita rallied the graduates to live up to their constitutional mandates as protectors of freedom and continue to remain as professional men and women in uniform.
On Thursday, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's head of security disclosed an alleged plan by Islamic terrorists to assassinate the President, which is said to be the major reason she cancelled her trip to the city to speak before the PMA Alumni homecoming Sunday.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), on the other hand, expressed confidence that the protests being planned by various groups against the government in the coming days would not result in a destabilization or power grab attempt.
AFP Chief Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said the protesters would not be getting any support from the 120,000-strong military establishment, saying soldiers are constitutional.
The two people's power revolt that ousted former Presidents Ferdinand Marcos and Joseph Estrada became successful because of the military involvement. Edsa I was initiated by the military and backed up by civilians, while Edsa II was a civilian effort backed up by the military.
"I have not seen any situation like that (developing). The Armed Forces is very solid. I think we should allow the rule of law to prevail. The Armed Forces would be constitutional and not involve themselves in destabilization or power grab. A power grab is not to the interest of the country," said Esperon.
Esperon, nevertheless, said while there are no reports of a looming destabilization, the military would remain vigilant against any scenario. The Arroyo government has survived at least three major power grab attempts.
Esperon said there is nothing to be worried about the rallies, which include the United Opposition as among the organizers, for as long as they secure the necessary permits and for as long as the demonstrations would be peaceful.
"As long as they have permits, as long they can police their ranks. That's okay because those (rallies) are (their right). As long as it's in the legal form expression, then we should, we should not be worried about that," said Esperon.
"But nevertheless we're not letting our guard down because the Armed Forces doesn't want violence to ensue, its not good for all of us, especially if it is extra legal, so we will not let our guards down," he said.
Political tensions increased as more groups call for the resignation of the President following the exposes of electronics expert Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada who implicated First Gentleman Mike Arroyo into the controversial $329 million national broadband network project.
The contract was eventually cancelled following allegations of bribery and overpricing. (With reports from VR/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Manila. (February 18, 2008 issue)
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