Esperon: Martial law not necessary

Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. believes there was no need for President Arroyo to declare martial law last February amid reported plans by some renegade soldiers to grab power.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Esperon said the government was on top of the situation, particularly in dealing with threats against the administration.

"Hindi naman sa pagmamamayabang," he said. "I think we were on top of the situation."

Esperon said despite reports of a power grab, there is no need for Mrs. Arroyo to declare martial law because the coup plotters would be subjected to the full force of the military justice system.

"GCM (general court-martial) lang ang katumbas nun, bakit ka pupunta pa ng martial law?" he said. "It’s implementing the military laws, yun lang ang katumbas nun."

Esperon said there were no orders from Mrs. Arroyo for the military to implement martial law, making him believe that there were no such plans.

"I am not consulted on political matters," he said. "I only implement. There was no order to implement, I do not know kung ano yun."

Thirty military officers, led by former Marine commandant Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda, Col. Ariel Querubin and Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, former head of the elite Scout Rangers are set to undergo trial before a military tribunal for their alleged involvement in the failed Feb. 24 coup.

Resigned defense secretary Avelino Cruz Jr. earlier clarified that he did not confirm purported plans by Mrs. Arroyo to declare martial law amid reports of an impending coup last January. — James Mananghaya