Malacañang brushed aside allegations that yesterday’s bombing spree in Metro Manila was a prelude to the declaration of martial law.
Acting Press Secretary Mike Toledo, speaking on national television, rued that certain quarters were exploiting the situation to discredit the Estrada administration.
"Let me just say that it is really a pathetic statement," Toledo said.
"It is very sad that a number of innocent lives have already been lost because of this cowardly and dastardly act, definitely terrorist in nature, and yet some people are still playing politics when innocent lives are already at stake. So we urge those who say these things to refrain from doing so because we are really looking into the bottom of this," Toledo appealed.
Meanwhile, a grim-faced President Estrada also appeared on television to issue a stern warning to the perpetrators of the bomb blasts he called "cowards" and "desperados."
The President also directed Philippine National Police chief Director General Panfilo Lacson and Armed Forces chief Gen. Angelo Reyes to immediately arrest the suspects.
Mr. Estrada assured the people that despite the terrorist attacks, the government is still in full control of the situation.
"Preventive measures have been put in place to ensure public safety, avoid further damage to property and safeguard public utilities," Mr. Estrada said.
"My beloved countrymen, in this situation, I ask you to remain calm. I guarantee all of you, we will use al the forces of the law so that we can quell this violence," the President said.
The political opposition and other critics of Mr. Estrada claimed that the bomb blasts were a prelude to the declaration of an emergency rule, if not outright martial law.
Others feared the attacks were meant to derail or suspend the impeachment trial against Mr. Estrada.
"As your President, I want to assure our people that the government has intensively acted in order to make those people answer to the law for these violent incidents," Mr. Estrada said.
He added that the attacks "can only be done by people who have no concern for their fellowmen."
The President and his wife, Dr. Luisa Ejercito, visited various hospitals in Metro Manila where the bombing victims were being treated. – Marichu Villanueva