G1BO Teodoro To Oppose Junta.
Teodoro to oppose junta in case of failure of elections
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By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 15:14:00 03/22/2010
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MANILA, Philippines – Administration candidate Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro, Jr. said he would be the first to oppose any moves that would install a military junta in case of a failure of elections in May.
At the same time, Teodoro urged a stop to talks about not having a new President if the first-ever automation fails, which would call for a temporary military take-over of the government.
“I will go against any junta. Hindi maka-Pilipino ‘yan at dapat natuto na tayo sa eleksyon na may extra-Constitutional na gawain (That’s anti-Filipino, and we should have learned from the lessons of extra-Constitutional exercises),” he said in an interview with reporters while on a sortie in Quaipo, Manila.
Teodoro took a swipe against groups painting a grim scenario about the May elections, saying that “it seems they want it to happen.”
“Hindi ako sasama o papabor sa anumang unconstitutional na gawain o paglalapastangan ng Saligang Batas, tututulan ko pa (I will not support any unconstitutional moves or initiatives that would violate our Constitution. I would oppose it,” he added.
Teodoro, standard-bearer of Lakas-Kampi-Christian Muslim Democrats, said it is the job of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to ensure that there would be credible elections and that a new President would be installed.
Asked if he believes Malacanang’s word that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo would step down by the end of her term, he said, “I think we must give credence to what everybody says at this time… The fact is by June 30, her term is finished and the Constitution does not allow hold-over government,” he said.
Last week, Malacanang, through its deputy spokesperson Charito Planas, said that a military takeover was possible in case of a power vacuum if the automated elections fail and in case no newly elected President is proclaimed by June 30.
“There is a provision in the Constitution where the military can take over. That could be done,” Planas had said, adding this was also cited by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile as a possibility in case of failed elections.
