Yasay calls coup plotters traitors

MANILA, Philippines – Anyone plotting to oust an elected president is a “despicable traitor and an enemy of the state” and never a patriot, Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. said yesterday.

“A person who is part of a sinister plot to forcibly remove a lawfully elected president of the Republic, albeit for noble reasons, is not a patriot, but a despicable traitor and an enemy of the state,” Yasay said in a post on Facebook.

Yasay’s assertion came days after the emergence of email exchanges purportedly between the staff of Vice President Leni Robredo and some of her US-based supporters regarding moves to force the resignation of President Duterte. The controversy is now called “LeniLeaks.”

Roberedo’s camp has denied the insinuation she is involved in a plot to unseat Duterte and called “LeniLeaks” malicious.

Malacañang is looking into the matter.

“In my view, herein lies the distinction between one who is and is not Filipino,” Yasay said.

Also named in the controversy were billionaire philanthropist Loida Nicolas-Lewis, her sister former Commission on Filipinos Overseas head Imelda Nicolas and lawyer Ted Laguatan.

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the Palace is taking the matter seriously but would not make judgment until the information contained in the emails are validated.