Three senators running in the May 2010 presidential race have signed a manifesto drafted by Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV urging the President Arroyo to “exercise her discretion” and extend the term of Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Victor Ibrado.

The manifesto is signed by Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Manuel Villar Jr. Sen. Francis Escudero and Liberal Party presidential candidate Benigno Aquino III.

The document urges Mrs. Arroyo to ensure stability and continuity in the leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during the “critical phase of the national elections on May 10, 2010” by extending the term of the incumbent chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Ibrado is scheduled to retire sometime in March 2010.

Sen. Trillanes said the May 2010 elections is critical because it is the very first time that the country will be conducting a computerized elections.

“The May 2010 elections is particularly crucial and important not only because of the fact that the nation would be electing the next President and Vice president who will lead the republic during the next six years but also because of the fact that this would be the very first time that the Philippines would be conducting automated elections,” the manifesto stated.

The manifesto further stressed that “Gen. Ibrado enjoys the support and respect of the officers and men of the AFP as well as the entire nation.”

“Whereas, it is of utmost importance to ensure the stability and continuity of the leadership of the AFP during this critical election period to ensure the impartiality and reliability of this important institution during the elections,” it also stated.

“Now, therefore, in the light of all the foregoing premises, the undersigned aspirants for the position of President in the 10 May 2010 national elections, hereby, strongly urge and prevail upon President Gloria Arroyo to exercise her discretion and extend the term of AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Victor Ibrado until 30 June 2010,” the manifesto said.

Meanwhile, Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit Thursday denied the existence of a plan called “Oplan August Moon” to maintain President Arroyo in power beyond 2010.

“August Moon is not true and will never happen,” Bangit said, finally breaking his silence on the reports.

Bangit was to replace Gen. Victor Ibrado as Armed Forces of the Philippines chief as part of the plot hatched by members of the Philippine Military Academy Class of ’78 to keep Mrs. Arroyo in power.
Mrs. Arroyo is an adopted member of PMA Class ’78, to which Bangit belongs.

While strongly denying the reports, Bangit also vowed his full support and respect to the military chain of command.

Earlier, Ibrado downplayed latest talks about the alleged plot.

“These are old issues, these are old plans that have been mentioned over and over again so this is already stale,” Ibrado said.

Bangit said, “Recent speculations on the August Moon, the No-election scenario, and the alleged conspiracy among the PMA Class 78 are coming up again recently. These have been going around for months now, and despite remaining unproven, are cropping up again."

“For a military leader entrusted with the tall order of making insurgency insignificant by 2010, reacting to these rumors that I know in my heart are not true anyway should not be my preoccupation” he said.

The Army chief, however, said “there is a limit to enduring all these quietly” as these has installed fear in the public.

“Having fought for peace in our land for more than 35 years in the service, I cannot allow these lies to instill fear and panic in our countrymen,” he said.

“I therefore speak now to the Filipino people, and I do so in all honesty. August Moon is not true and will never happen. I deeply understand the importance of having credible elections in 2010 for the sake of peace.,” Bangit said.

“That is why in my field visits recently, I have been telling the troops: The only participation that soldiers must have in the coming elections is the exercise of their right to suffrage. This, you can verify,” he said.

“It is alleged that the Class where I belong, the PMA Class of 78 is in a conspiracy to occupy the ‘juicy’ positions in the military. After years of experience in the military, every class comes to a point when they are ripe for handling the highest responsibilities. It has come to the previous classes, and it is coming to us. Not because President Arroyo is an adopted member of Class 78, but because the class has come to that point of competence and experience enough to handle the responsibilities that go with the position,” he said.