Press Release
January 3, 2008

ESPERON REBUKED FOR CLAIMING A NEW COUP IS AFOOT TO JUSTIFY TERM EXTENSION

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Nene" Q. Pimentel, Jr. (PDP-Laban) today said it is the prerogative of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to extend the tour of duty of Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, chief-of-staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), who is due to retire on Feb. 9, upon reaching the age of 56.

Pimentel, however, criticized Esperon for claiming that the AFP has uncovered new destabilization moves and coup plot against the Arroyo government that will supposedly unfold in the first six months of 2008.

Pimentel said Esperon's revelation has only put himself in a ridiculous situation because it would appear that it was made to justify the extension of his term.

"I dare Gen. Esperon to show evidence that another power grab attempt by rebel troops is in the works if only to quash speculation that it was nothing but a product of his fertile imagination to enable him to hang on to his post," he said.

The statement was issued by the opposition leader amid reports that Esperon's tour of duty will be extended by the President by four to six months.

Pimentel said the extension of Esperon's term, if that materializes, is bound to cause some demoralization in the military hierarchy because it will put on hold the upward movements of senior officials, especially aspirants for the post of AFP chief.

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