But the Palace stopped short of filing criminal charges against former Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and other economic managers who resigned and demanded the resignation of President Arroyo, saying it would let the people judge their actions.
Appearing on a press conference carried over live television and radio stations, Environment Secretary Michael Defensor accused former colleagues of devising a plot to topple the President by clandestinely urging Vice President Noli De Castro to call on the President to step down and to take over her post.
Defensor said Purisima and his group talked to De Castro in Hong Kong where they told him about their plans to quit the Cabinet. He said these former Cabinet secretaries also allegedly asked De Castro to appoint Senate President Franklin Drilon as vice president and executive secretary.
Defensor however clarified that De Castro and Drilon were not involved in the plot.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Presidential Management Staff chief Rigoberto Tiglao, and Presidential political adviser Gabriel Claudio affirmed Defensor’s charges and lambasted Purisima’s group for deceiving the President and the public.
"Ang Pilipino galit sa traydor at itong nangyaring ito, hindi lang pagta-traydor kung hindi kumilos talaga para ibagsak ang Pangulo, ibagsak ang Panguluhan, ang republika at magkaroon ng panibagong iskema ng gobyerno," Defensor said.
Defensor, former political spokesman of the President during the elections, questioned the motives of Purisima’s team in seeking permission from De Castro, saying any Cabinet member planning to resign must inform his appointing authority, the President.
Before Purisima’s team left for Hong Kong, they also allegedly talked to former President Corazon Aquino and four Catholic bishops to pressure Mrs. Arroyo to leave Malacanang, according to Defensor.
"If indeed they feel that the President cannot govern anymore, then the civil way and the delicadeza way to do things would have been to keep quiet and leave the Cabinet. That would have sent the message and that would have earned our respect," he said.
"But to come up with the scheme like that and then later on come out and resign, I think it is too much," he added.
The senior Palace officials admitted they felt betrayed by the actions of their former colleagues, when they appeared working for the President but actually scheming to bring her down.
Ermita said he was relieved to know who are the turncoats and loyalists in the Arroyo cabinet this early in the political crisis besetting the government.
Claudio also insinuated that there must be a political motive behind the resignations of the economic managers last Friday. If Purisima’s group had qualms about the President’s management style, they should have raised it with her before berating her in public last Friday, he said.
Tiglao, for his part, found "immoral" the actions of his former colleagues, when they suddenly abandoned their governance work "to grandstand in the political realm" and become "activists overnight."
"The damage they have done is less on the presidency but on their constituents," he said. "In the long run, it might be better for such kind of people to have left the government," he added.
Defensor said he considers his former colleagues more dangerous than the mainstream opposition groups who have deserted the President in times of crisis.
"Para sa aking, mas mahirap kakampi mo ang manggugulo. Kasi kung minsan may kaaway ka nirerespeto mo pa. Ang mahirap yung kakampi dahil kapag ikaw napaaway akala mo walang iwanan pero biglang tumakbo ang kasama mo para isalba ang sarili. Mas nakakatakot yun," he said.
When asked if the Palace intends to file charges against the mutinous cabinet officers, Defensor said, they would let the public judge the actions of their colleagues.
"There are no plans to subject the former cabinet members to any investigation. We continue to respect them although their actions are regrettable," Claudio said.
Along with nine other top administration officials, Purisima formally resigned and urged the President earlier on Friday to resign and allow her constitutional successor De Castro to be President.
Palace tells opposition: Respect Constitution, start impeachment
By FERDIE J. MAGLALANG
Malacañang yesterday asked the opposition anew to respect and abide by the Constitution and go through an impeachment process to determine if President Arroyo is guilty of allegations of electoral fraud and should be removed from office.
Rejecting calls by some quarters for the President’s resignation, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the President will abide by the Constitution she has sworn to defend and protect in the face of what he branded as "temporary" political turmoil.
"There is no reason why she should resign because she has the mandate of the majority of our people in last year’s elections. Let us follow our Constitution, and whatever should be done by a leader should be under the law, under our Constitution," he said.
Last Friday, Mrs. Arroyo offered to submit herself to an impeachment process where she would defend herself against accusations that she cheated her way to victory and that family members benefited from "jueteng" operations.
Members of the opposition clamoring for the President’s resignation had rejected her offer to face an impeachment proceeding before the House of Representatives that is dominated by her allies led by House Speaker Jose de Venecia.
In an impromptu press conference, Ermita asked opposition groups to bring their grievances before the House instead of resorting to street protests that some government officials claimed are weighing down the administration’s economic gains.
"Let us bring it to the proper forum which has existing rules and procedures (on impeachment)," he said, optimistic that history will fairly judge Mrs. Arroyo on accusations leveled against her.
Ermita also appealed to the public to keep calm even as they discern disinformation orchestrated by the opposition groups to avert the worsening of the political crisis confronting the Arroyo administration.
"May our countrymen remain calm, and will not be persuaded by those leaders because what they are doing might result to further chaos. I hope this will not happen because the country will be affected in the wrong way," he said.
When asked whether the President is amenable to former president Ramos’ proposal for a graceful exit, Ermita said Mrs. Arroyo favors amendments to the Constitution to allow a shift in the present form of government.
"There seems to be a congruence of thought, but there is no such deal," he said while rejecting the timetable proposed by Ramos on when the shift of government should be carried out since the President has a legal mandate to govern until 2010.
In the same press conference, Secretary Gabriel Claudio, presidential adviser on political affairs, said the impeachment process is a "viable option" and "constitutionally prescribed" in determining the President’s innocence and guilt and not a "futile exercise."
Claudio said he believes Congress leaders will keep their impartiality in deliberating on the impeachment complaints lodged against the President despite the obvious dominance of her administration allies in the House.
Lakas-CMD helping Arroyo remain in Malacanang
By EDMER F. PANESA
Embattled President Arroyo continues to maintain a grip on the presidency because she still enjoys the support of various political parties in the country, including the ruling party Lakas-CMD.
Led by former President Fidel V. Ramos and House Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr., Lakas-CMD members renewed their "solid and unqualified" support for the President, despite mounting calls for her resignation to resolve the current political crisis caused by vote-rigging allegations.
They said they are standing behind the President and they will help her in instituting political, economic and constitutional reforms in the coming days.
"We don’t want to expose again our people to new hardships. Changing the President will not solve the problem," Ramos, the Lakas-CMD chairman emeritus, said during the party’s emergency meeting at the Sulo Hotel in Quezon City Friday night.
The emergency meeting was held after former President Corazon C. Aquino, 10 members of the Arroyo Cabinet, and the Makati Business Club called on the President to step down.
Bukidnon Rep. Juan Miguel Zubiri, who served as the emcee, said the party would remain loyal to the President as he lashed out at some members of the Liberal Party, headed by Senate President Franklin Drilon who withdrew their support for the administration and joined calls for Arroyo’s resignation.
"Let us stick together. We will sink or swim with our leader. Hindi tayo mga balimbing (We’re not turncoats)," Zubiri said.
De Venecia, the party president, said that besides Lakas-CMD, the President continues to enjoy the full support of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) and Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi), the country’s second and third largest political parties, respectively.
He also disclosed that 15 congressmen aligned with the Liberal Party have declared their support for the President as they were dismayed by the party’s stand.
Various party-list groups such as Buhay of El Shaddai and its leader Bro. Mike Velarde, APEC of the country’s electric cooperatives, and Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP) are also standing firm behind the President, De Venecia said.
The Speaker said the President enjoys the support of the international community as manifested by the statements earlier issued by the envoys from China, United States and Libya (representing the Arab nations).
He said the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) remain loyal to their commander-in-chief.
De Venecia likewise boasted that around 50 percent of governors and mayors and 80 percent of barangay officials in the country are supportive of the President.
Ramos rallied Lakas-CMD and other political parties allied to help the President overcome the current political crisis in the country.
"Let us move forward. Let’s all stay together and help repair and modernize our ship of state," Ramos urged.
Manila mayor says Drilon announcement not LP’s official stand
By RAYMUND F. ANTONIO
Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, also chairman of the Liberal Party (LP), reiterated yesterday that the announcement made by Senate President Franklin Drilon, party president, and other ranking party leaders withdrawing support for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was invalid and not an official party stand.
At a press conference at the Manila City Hall, Atienza and the other members of the LP National Executive Council (NECO) called the statement of Drilon and his group last Friday as a "railroad decision" which does not represent the stand of the entire party.
The Liberal Party was divided after Drilon gave President Arroyo options to step down or face impeachment while Atienza stood pat in his defense of the President amid the opposition calls for her resignation.
Drilon reported that 20 LP members voted for the President’s resignation, 11 voted for her impeachment, and one for a leave of absence.
However, Atienza cited that the remaining members of the 102-man NECO who are mainly mayors and governors were not present and were not consulted about the party vote.
Atienza deplored the actions of Drilon and the other senators as a complete turnaround of the principle of the party during these critical times.
"In fact, they did not invite me. I’m the chairman of the National Executive Council and I was not informed about the meeting. We need to consult the majority of members first," he stressed.
Joining the mayor at the press conference were Assemblyman Jess Nurahan of Sulu, LP NECO member Ely Quinto, Manila Reps. Banzai Nieva and Miles Roces, Camarines Sur Rep. Nonoy Andaya, Quezon City Rep. Mat Defensor, Atty. Roman Romulo, and majority of the councilors in the city.
During the press conference, LP leaders in the provinces phoned Atienza expressing their support, including Antique Gov. Sally Zaldivar Perez, Guimaras Gov. Rahman Nava, Aklan Gov. Carlito Marquez, and Capiz Gov. Vicente Barmejo.
Impeachment bid vs GMA may now push through — Salceda
By BEN R. ROSARIO
With the Liberal Party’s withdrawal of support to President Arroyo and with the ranks of non-committal congressmen swelling, the impeachment bid against the Chief Executive may now have surpassed the number of solons needed to pursue her removal from office.
This was revealed yesterday by Albay Rep. Joey Salceda even as the House leadership said it is willing to hold special session in Congress in order to demonstrate a resolve to "expeditiously act" on the two impeachment cases filed separately by two lawyers two weeks ago.
Partylist Rep. Rodante Marcoleta (Alagad) also warned complainant lawyer Oliver Lozano against withdrawing the complaint to give way to a "better" case that might be filed by the opposition.
Marcoleta, who gave the required endorsement for Lozano’s complaint, said recanting would only reduce the chance for the House of Representatives to find cause to endorse the impeachment of Arroyo for trial before the Senate.
In a press statement, Salceda said impeachment has become a viable option for Arroyo’s foes, considering that the Liberals have given up their support for the President.
He explained that groups calling for the President’s resignation have the numbers to push for the constitutional and peaceful resolution of the political crisis but are having doubts over the true intention of the opposition to follow the legitimate process.
An economic adviser to the President, Salceda revealed that there are now at least 84 congressmen who may support the constitutional process of impeachment. The number is composed of 28 minority solons, 34 LP congressmen, two majority solons who bolted the administration parties, and 10 NP legislators.
Under the House rules, the support of only 79 congressmen is needed to elevate the impeachment issue before the Senate which will act as the impeachment court.
"The opposition no longer has an excuse for their prior hesitation to pursue this option. Stripped of fundamental basis, if an impeachment does not prosper, it will only prove that they are really out for a quick kill and worse," Salceda said.
Majority Leader Prospero Nograles said that if President Arroyo desires, Congress can hold a special session specifically for the purpose of proceeding with the impeachment process.
Nograles chided the opposition for insisting that impeachment is a useless exercise, stressing that such position is a giveaway clue that its members merely want to grab power as indicated by a declaration its leaders made at the Quezon City Sports Club yesterday.
"They are sowing chaos and disunity. Where is the rule of law? Where is our respect for the Constitution? By what mandate will they rule and take over this government?," Nograles asked upon learning that the opposition wants a caretaker government to take over the Arroyo administration.
Nograles stressed that the House leadership is committed in exercising its mandate to look into the impeachment case "with cold neutrality" even as he appealed to the opposition and other Arroyo critics against instigating a "mob rule mentality" in the Filipino society.
Meanwhile, Marcoleta assailed the opposition for insinuating that his endorsement of the impeachment case filed by Lozano is part of a plot to preempt Arroyo foes from filing their own complaint.
Senator Magsaysay appeals for a political ceasefire
By MARIO B. CASAYURAN
Sen. Ramon B. Magsaysay Jr. appealed yesterday to various political parties for a political ceasefire as he urged Filipinos to remain calm and sober in the midst of a political crisis triggered by demands for President Arroyo to resign.
"I believe that what is best for our country this time is an honest political ceasefire. For the sake of our country, I am appealing to all factions to give the country a breather and collectively solve this political crisis in a more decent and civil way," Magsaysay said.
Magsaysay, son of the late President Magsaysay, said he was worried that the decision of some supporters of President Arroyo to turn their backs on her would have a negative impact on the economy. Mrs. Arroyo is the daughter of the late President Macapagal.
The political crisis has become fluid, if not muddled, following the admission by the President that the voice of the woman in the controversial "GMA-Garci" tapes was hers. The President had admitted a "lapse in judgment" in calling a Commission on Elections (Comelec) official while her votes and those of her political opponents in the May 2004 presidential election were still being counted.
"I do not begrudge the decision of some of our respected leaders in the country. But what I am concerned about is its negative effect on our country. While I respect their decisions, I believe that we can do much more by avoiding actions that only exacerbate the already confused situation," Magsaysay said.
Magsaysay then called on the bickering political groups to observe the rule of law in settling the present conflict and stop inciting the public into taking the extra-legal action that would only worsen the already volatile situation.
"Yet, Senate President Franklin M. Drilon, concurrent Liberal Party (LP) president, reiterated LP’s appeal for the President to voluntarily resign and let the constitutional process of succession proceed.
"The party maintains that the President’s resignation is a legitimate constitutional option," he stressed.
Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan, an LP official, asked that the public rejection by Manila Mayor Lito Atienza of the LP’s majority decision to ask the President to resign is an internal matter. Hence, it should be resolved by the party members themselves.
Pangilinan said there was no railroading in the decision by the LP hierarchy to ask the President to resign as charged by Mayor Atienza and that their differences should be resolved not through the media but through the National Executive Council.
Sen. Richard Gordon urged President Arroyo to call Congress to meet in a special session to allow critics to bring their grievances against her by filing the necessary impeachment complaint.
Gordon maintained that, instead of calling for the President’s resignation, "I would rather endorse the holding of a special session to allow those seeking her removal to file the necessary impeachment. This is the constitutional way of dealing with the current political crisis … not by forcing the President to resign against her own volition. If they choose to file an impeachment case, then let us finish this as quickly as possible," he said.
Big groups in North Luzon support GMA
By MAR T. SUPNAD
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, La Union — Top police, military, and government officials, leaders of business and non-government sectors, together with various regional leaders of the Kapit-bisig Laban sa Kahirapan (Kalahi) signed a manifesto yesterday enjoining all sectors of society and the opposition groups to respect the Constitution and the rule of law as they aired their full support for beleaguered President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
In their manifesto of support, Presidential Assistant for North Luzon Enrie A. Mendoza and the regional directors of various national government and non-government agencies, said that "the recent events in both the national and local scenes support logical conclusion through extra-constitutional and extra-legal means, bordering within the bounds of falsehood and deception."
"We, the members of the Regional Kalahi convergence groups in Region 1, strongly uphold the maintenance of sobriety and full confidence in our democratic institutions and all duty constituted authorities and enjoin all sectors of the society to respect the constitutional rule of law," the resolution said.
Local leaders in North Luzon headed by Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson, chairman of the League of Provincial Governors of the Philippines, reiterated their declaration of support to President Arroyo, saying she was the duly elected president of the republic.
