Arroyo Seeks Congress Support in Ending Coup Attempt

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, August 01, 2003

Arroyo Seeks Congress Support in Ending Coup Attempt

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Friday called on lawmakers "not to legitimize a criminal act that unfolded before our very eyes," referring to a failed coup staged by disgruntled soldiers here on Sunday.

Arroyo also asked members of the Senate and House of Representatives not to "try to impede government efforts to get tothe root of the plot."

"There has been an overt attempt to overthrow the government by force of arms," Arroyo was quoted as saying in a palace statement." Once and for all, let us show our people and the world that we condemn all means to gain political power outside the ballot. Thisis our solemn duty."

She stressed that the indictment of coup participants involved "plain criminal justice, not political persecution or harassment."

Arroyo said all government actions were based on evidence and "not speculation or rumor," noting that "there will be no indictments made on mere suspicion."

She also called on everyone to put a stop to military adventurism. "This must be the last time military adventurism is allowed to rear its head in our country."

She said the "formidable challenges we are facing do not allow for these attacks, however weak they may be, upon the heart of ourpolitical system."

"Poverty, terrorism, drugs, ignorance, disease -- these are the enemies we must vanquish without having to contend with traitors within the democratic polity itself," Arroyo said.

Arroyo also said, "The state of rebellion will continue until we wrap up the residual threats. This must not be a cause for undue alarm, but we do not want our people to develop a false sense of complacency. We will keep the state of rebellion as a mantle of protection for our people as they go on with their day-to-day activities."

"Normalization has set in and must not be disturbed, but the need for vigilance is there and our eyes and ears should be open round the clock," she said.

Arroyo and Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines General Narciso Abaya said Thursday the threat of rebellion against the government was far from over. Interior Secretary Jose Lina disclosed Friday the failed coup attempt on Sunday may have included plans to kill Arroyo and other officials.

The Senate and House of Representatives started a probe hearingon Sunday's mutiny staged by some 300 disgruntled military men at Makati business district separately on Friday and Thursday. The mutiny crisis was ended peacefully more than 20 hours later through negotiation.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Mutiny Far from Over, State of Rebellion Stays: Arroyo

Instability Haunts Arroyo Govt after Failed Mutiny

Philippine Official Wants President to Intervene Mutiny Probe

Taiwan Ties Mar Japan's China Interests: News Analysis ( 36 Messages)

Shortage of Electric Power, an Ordeal for China's Economy ( 4 Messages)

Using "E-mail" Concerns Chinese Purification & National Dignity? ( 22 Messages)

US, China Co-operate to Fight Taiwan Referendum Plan ( 3 Messages)

60 Chinese Senior Officials to Be Trained in Harvard University ( 3 Messages)