Palace brushes off latest coup rumors

Malacañang shrugged off yesterday reports of a new coup plot attributed to the camp of former President Fidel Ramos.

This developed as Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Leandro Mendoza directed his chief of intelligence to look into allegations that some 30 policemen and retired police officials were involved in the coup plot.

"I believe a coup is out of the question. I think we should move on and stop talking about coup rumors. There is really no coup and nobody will accept any coup," Presidential Spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao said.

He stressed that the Filipino people will reject any attempt at a power grab.

He warned of the dire consequences of changing government by extra-legal process, adding that civil liberties including press freedom may be taken away if a military junta installed by a coup d’etat will rule the country.

Tiglao said he would resign if a coup plot materialized.

He said President Arroyo herself has ruled out the possibility of a coup plot by Ramos, who flatly denied reports he wanted to return to power.

"He has said he won’t run (in the presidential race in 2004)," Tiglao said, adding that there were also constitutional barriers to a former president seeking another term.

He said Ramos was "very happy" with his role as Mrs. Arroyo’s ambassador of goodwill, trying to sell the country to foreign investors.

While he admitted that he was not sure if Ramos was indeed barred from seeking another term, the issue is irrelevant in the light of Ramos’ denial.

In clearing Ramos of any involvement in a coup plot, Tiglao said the former president "has been a staunch constitutionalist."

PNP community relations chief Director Thompson Lantion said Mendoza has instructed Intelligence Group head Chief Superintendent Roberto Delfin to determine the veracity of the reports that some disgruntled policemen and PNP retirees were involved in the plot.–Marichu Villanueva, Christina Mendez