MANILA, Philippines - The government is firming up activities for the 29th anniversary of the EDSA People Power revolution on Feb. 22-25 as it seeks to refresh the people’s memory on the importance of democracy amid fresh coup rumors and protest actions in the wake of the Jan. 25 Mamasapano incident.
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said there were no definite plans yet for the commemoration of the bloodless revolution that toppled the Marcos dictatorship in 1986.
Previous activities commemorating EDSA people power had been generally festive to remind people of the reasons why they should be grateful for their basic rights and freedom.
The Mamasapano incident that claimed the lives of 44 members of the police Special Action Force (SAF) has sparked calls for the resignation of President Aquino and spawned coup rumors.
Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV has tagged members of the “political opposition” as the organizers of rallies being readied for next week supposedly as part of a destabilization plot against the government.
Earlier, Coloma said the military and the police were ready to thwart any coup plots as he reiterated the Palace was allowing the investigations into the Mamasapano incident to take their course.
Trillanes, who himself had led failed mutinies against the Arroyo administration, was quoted in reports as saying that no member of the military attended the meetings to launch rallies against Aquino.
He said members of the political opposition, civil society groups, clergy and some leftist groups attended the meeting.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stressed only “civilian groups” were planning protest activities and destabilization moves against Aquiono.
Information reaching The STAR indicated that members of a group called National Transformation Council (NTC) had a meeting in the house of retired Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, who is calling for Aquino’s resignation.
Among the personalities who attended the meeting were former defense secretary Norberto Gonzales, residential uncle Peping Cojuangco and his wife Ting-Ting, Francisco Tatad and Eddie Ilarde. They were unavailable for comment yesterday.
“Info received also showed that several retired police and military generals are also linking up with various anti-Aquino groups for the planned coup,” a report from the military said.
In Bacolod City, Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. and 303rd Infantry Brigade commander Col. Jon Aying both dismissed rumors of coup attempts against President Aquino.
“I don’t believe it because we are a strong democracy. A coup will not solve the problem but would rather worsen the problem,” Marañon said.
“I am confident that the military in Negros are professionals and we are very particular about civilian superiority over the military. The issue is civilian in nature,” Aying said.
Vidal’s call
In a statement, Vidal said his call for Aquino’s resignation has become “even more urgent and imperative” in the light of “recent developments.”
“The Church and her pastors must never abandon their duty to denounce evil and to guide men, women and children in their active search for the truth and the good,” he said.
“Moral evil must be removed from the political and social system. This task, the Church and the political community cannot just leave in the hands of politicians, no matter how virtuous they might be,” he added.
He also called on fellow bishops and religious leaders to “join us in praying to God for His guidance for the renewal of the nation that is deeply rooted in faith, values, love of country and respect for human life and environment.”
Joining Vidal in his call were Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, Zamboanga Archbishop Romulo dela Cruz, Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles, Bayombong (Nueva Vizcaya) Archbishop Ramon Villena, Davao Archbishop Emeritus Fernando Capalla, Naval (Biliran) Bishop Felomino Bactol.
Non-Catholic bishops who were present during the meeting at Vidal’s residence were Christian Bishops and Ministers Association of the Philippines adviser Butch Belgica, CBMAP secretary general Jose Socito, United Church of Christ of the Philippines Manila pastor Art Corpuz and evangelical bishop Pio Tica.
Tatad, during the meeting, proposed that a caretaker government be convened to take over if the president and other officials “who claim succession to the presidency” step down and submit themselves to investigation and prosecution.
When asked who will compose the council, Tatad said they would make necessary announcement “in due time.”
“We are not looking at a particular guy, but genuine leaders,” Tatad said.
Tatad served as minister of public information under Marcos from 1969 to 1980. – Jaime Laude, Jessa Agua/The Freeman, Danny Dangcalan