Press Release
February 17, 2006
AFP AUTHORITIES SHOULD ROUND UP MUTINEERS IF COUP PLOT IS REAL -- PIMENTEL
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. (PDP-Laban) today
inquired from the military authorities what they are doing to stop
so-called rogue officers from plotting a coup against the present
government.
Pimentel said if the Armed Forces has really uncovered a plot by
Magdalo officers to seize power, the AFP leadership should not
hesitate to round up the conspirators.
They should arrest the coup plotters and remove the cause of
instability, he said.
The minority leader said that while he is for the resignation of
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, it should not be done by violent
and other extra-constitutional means.
Pimentel said it is puzzling why the AFP has not made any arrests to
foil the coup plot in the face of reports about certain retired and
active military officers going around military camps to recruit
soldiers.
He said voluntarily resignation is an option that President Arroyo
should seriously consider to prevent the outbreak of a coup and
other extra-constitutional means of overthrowing her which could
lead to bloodshed.
Let us make use of people power, in a judicious manner to remove
Gloria from office. I think we are entitled to that as a people,
Pimentel said.
He said that should President Arroyo, as well as Vice President Noli
de Castro resign, Senate President Franklin Drilon will temporarily
act as president. Drilon, in turn, will call a special presidential
election not later than 45 days from the date the vacancies in the
presidency and vice presidency occurred. |