Rule of Force
Thursday, July 31, 2003
Government Say Crisis Far from Over
The Government said today that there are still soldiers who are unaccounted for and can be expected to do the same thing as Trillanes and his band did this weekend. BBC story here.
The Government said today that there are still soldiers who are unaccounted for and can be expected to do the same thing as Trillanes and his band did this weekend. BBC story here.
Gen. Corpuz resigns
Gen. Victor Corpuz, one of the three defense officials whose resignations were demanded by the rebel soldiers, tendered his resignation yesterday. Wrote Corpuz in his resignation letter,
"The current political crisis is far from finished...There is still a deep restiveness in the officers corps of the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines]. The putschists are asking for my resignation. Although I can honestly say that their accusation that I had a hand in the Davao bombings is without basis, I think it is best for all that I get out of the picture."
Access story here.
Gen. Victor Corpuz, one of the three defense officials whose resignations were demanded by the rebel soldiers, tendered his resignation yesterday. Wrote Corpuz in his resignation letter,
"The current political crisis is far from finished...There is still a deep restiveness in the officers corps of the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines]. The putschists are asking for my resignation. Although I can honestly say that their accusation that I had a hand in the Davao bombings is without basis, I think it is best for all that I get out of the picture."
Access story here.
Wednesday, July 30, 2003
Insights on the Coup from the Dean of Modern Filipino Journalism
Amando Doronila, considered by many as the Dean of Modern Philippine Journalism, analyses the recent coup. Access here. Look at his thesis statement:
"LAST SUNDAY'S failed military mutiny depicted the true state of the nation more eloquently than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's State of the Nation Address did."
All of a suddent, in one sweet and bitter sentence, the President's triumphant State of the Nation Address, delivered a day after the coup, seemed like hot air.
Amando Doronila, considered by many as the Dean of Modern Philippine Journalism, analyses the recent coup. Access here. Look at his thesis statement:
"LAST SUNDAY'S failed military mutiny depicted the true state of the nation more eloquently than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's State of the Nation Address did."
All of a suddent, in one sweet and bitter sentence, the President's triumphant State of the Nation Address, delivered a day after the coup, seemed like hot air.
SHOWTIME FOR THE LAWYERS
The Philippine Government charged Ramon Cardenas, the former head of the Presidential Management Staff of Pres. Joseph Estrada, with the crime of Rebellion for having allowed the rebel soldiers to use his house as staging point of the failed coup. Inquirer's report can be accessed here.
Trillanes cries betrayal
Meanwhile, LT SG Trillanes claimed they have been betrayed by the Government. Apparently, as part of the compromise to end the siege, the Government promised to dismiss three top officials of the Department of National Defense. The Government, however, has not acted upon this promise. Further, the leaders of the rebel soldiers were placed under the custody of the intelligence office whose head, Gen. Victor Corpuz, the rebels had previously demanded to resign.
Trillanes said there are still many of them who have not been accounted and vowed that they would strike again.
The Philippine Government charged Ramon Cardenas, the former head of the Presidential Management Staff of Pres. Joseph Estrada, with the crime of Rebellion for having allowed the rebel soldiers to use his house as staging point of the failed coup. Inquirer's report can be accessed here.
Trillanes cries betrayal
Meanwhile, LT SG Trillanes claimed they have been betrayed by the Government. Apparently, as part of the compromise to end the siege, the Government promised to dismiss three top officials of the Department of National Defense. The Government, however, has not acted upon this promise. Further, the leaders of the rebel soldiers were placed under the custody of the intelligence office whose head, Gen. Victor Corpuz, the rebels had previously demanded to resign.
Trillanes said there are still many of them who have not been accounted and vowed that they would strike again.
Tuesday, July 29, 2003
POST COUP SCENARIO: RP BONDS DUMPED
As expected, the last mutiny did not speak well for the country and its image. Buinesswolrd reports that investors dumped RP Bonds. Access here. It also reports that the stock market index fell down by 2%. Access here. And the Peso sinks to a four-month low. Access here.
As expected, the last mutiny did not speak well for the country and its image. Buinesswolrd reports that investors dumped RP Bonds. Access here. It also reports that the stock market index fell down by 2%. Access here. And the Peso sinks to a four-month low. Access here.
Trillanes Papers Links
As expected, media attention is now focused on the contents of the masteral thesis written by LT SG Antonio Trillanes as a graduate student of the University of the Philippines School of Public Administration. The Inquirer has a summary here.
Dean Jorge Bocobo has the text here.
As expected, media attention is now focused on the contents of the masteral thesis written by LT SG Antonio Trillanes as a graduate student of the University of the Philippines School of Public Administration. The Inquirer has a summary here.
Dean Jorge Bocobo has the text here.
Monday, July 28, 2003
Rebel Spokesman Laments Filipinos' Decision
Before leaving the stage of the Makati siege, LT SG Antonio Trillianes expressed his disappointment at the outcome of the events. He and his band of renegade officers stormed out of anonimity early morning Sunday, took over a plush Makati hotel, and, with fiery accusations of corruption in the military, demanded the resignation of the President of the Pilippines. When asked who will replace the President if she left, he snapped. "That's irrelevant." During the entire drama, Trillianes was on air, speaking fluently and confidently against corruption in the military, perhaps hoping to gain public sympathy and convince civilians to protect them from the Government's wrath. But unlike the events of EDSA in 1986 and EDSA 2 in 2001, no civilians came. At 3:00 pm, as a final plea for public support, the rebels had a press conference where they took the mic stand one by one to air their grievances to the world. "I spent eight years of combat duty in Mindanao" fighting Muslim rebels, said one officer, his voice rising as he spoke. "I saw my friends die, but did their deaths have any value? I say, they died for nothing." But as luck would have it, civilians would not sympathize with bomb-toting and grief-stricken soldiers.
Thus, as Lt. SG Trillianes ended his fifteen minutes of fame, he lamented his inability to gain public support and claimed that the Filipino people decided to side with the corrupt. He said he was ready to face the charges and mulled a change of career.
Before leaving the stage of the Makati siege, LT SG Antonio Trillianes expressed his disappointment at the outcome of the events. He and his band of renegade officers stormed out of anonimity early morning Sunday, took over a plush Makati hotel, and, with fiery accusations of corruption in the military, demanded the resignation of the President of the Pilippines. When asked who will replace the President if she left, he snapped. "That's irrelevant." During the entire drama, Trillianes was on air, speaking fluently and confidently against corruption in the military, perhaps hoping to gain public sympathy and convince civilians to protect them from the Government's wrath. But unlike the events of EDSA in 1986 and EDSA 2 in 2001, no civilians came. At 3:00 pm, as a final plea for public support, the rebels had a press conference where they took the mic stand one by one to air their grievances to the world. "I spent eight years of combat duty in Mindanao" fighting Muslim rebels, said one officer, his voice rising as he spoke. "I saw my friends die, but did their deaths have any value? I say, they died for nothing." But as luck would have it, civilians would not sympathize with bomb-toting and grief-stricken soldiers.
Thus, as Lt. SG Trillianes ended his fifteen minutes of fame, he lamented his inability to gain public support and claimed that the Filipino people decided to side with the corrupt. He said he was ready to face the charges and mulled a change of career.
Sunday, July 27, 2003
Rebels Remove Bombs
As the nation exults the end of the Makati Siege, the rebels soldiers begin removing the bombs that they planted around Oakwood Apartments. They are expected to march back to their barracks after completing the clean up of the vicinity of the hotel.
Meanwhile, officials involved in the negotiation remain elusive as to the exact details of the compromise. According to reports, five of the leaders of the rebel group will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The rest will be investigated in accordance with the Articles of War. The Government concessions to the rebels, however, have not been disclosed clearly.
As the nation exults the end of the Makati Siege, the rebels soldiers begin removing the bombs that they planted around Oakwood Apartments. They are expected to march back to their barracks after completing the clean up of the vicinity of the hotel.
Meanwhile, officials involved in the negotiation remain elusive as to the exact details of the compromise. According to reports, five of the leaders of the rebel group will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The rest will be investigated in accordance with the Articles of War. The Government concessions to the rebels, however, have not been disclosed clearly.
It's All Over: Rebels Go Back to Barracks
A cheerful Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo announced at 9:50 tonight that the crisis in Makati is over. The rebels have agreed to go back to the barracks. They will be charged in accordance with the Articles of War and will not be given special concessions.
She congratulated the government forces and officials who helped resolve the crisis. She called it a TRIUMPH FOR DEMOCRACY.
God bless us all!
A cheerful Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo announced at 9:50 tonight that the crisis in Makati is over. The rebels have agreed to go back to the barracks. They will be charged in accordance with the Articles of War and will not be given special concessions.
She congratulated the government forces and officials who helped resolve the crisis. She called it a TRIUMPH FOR DEMOCRACY.
God bless us all!
Negotiations Over
The nation awaits results of the talks in a press conference to be conducted by the parties anytime now.
The nation awaits results of the talks in a press conference to be conducted by the parties anytime now.
Rebel Soldier Wrote Thesis on Corruption in the Navy and Got Death Threats
Lt. SG Trillianes wrote a masteral thesis on corruption in the navy and got death threats on his cellpone. Access here. Trillianes, a graduate student of the University of the Philippines's College of Public Administration wrote his thesis as part of his course work.
Lt. SG Trillianes wrote a masteral thesis on corruption in the navy and got death threats on his cellpone. Access here. Trillianes, a graduate student of the University of the Philippines's College of Public Administration wrote his thesis as part of his course work.
Rebels Demand Resignation of Top Officials
As the 7:00 pm deadline for their surrender ends, the rebel soldiers demanded the resignation of three top officials of the Arroyo Administration. The rebels named the officials as Sec. of National Defense Angelo Reyes, Intelligence Chief Gen. Victor Corpuz and Police Chief Rey Ebdane.
Meanwhile, government chief negotiator Rey Cimatu continues to negotiate with the rebels in Oakwood Apartments for the peaceful end to the siege
As the 7:00 pm deadline for their surrender ends, the rebel soldiers demanded the resignation of three top officials of the Arroyo Administration. The rebels named the officials as Sec. of National Defense Angelo Reyes, Intelligence Chief Gen. Victor Corpuz and Police Chief Rey Ebdane.
Meanwhile, government chief negotiator Rey Cimatu continues to negotiate with the rebels in Oakwood Apartments for the peaceful end to the siege
Dean Jorge Bocobo's Blog version of todays events. Access here.
An Expensive Gripe Session
"This is a very expensive gripe session." Lawyer Camilo Montesa said as the rebel group of soldiers encamped in Oakwood Apartment conducts a press conference. Rebel officers aired their sentiments about the lack of moral and the absurdity they felt seeing fellow soldiers die in the war in Mindanao amidst the corruption and all in the military. As discussion proceeded on the post-siege scenario, ABS-CBN news anchors wondered if the rebel soldiers will be allowed to go back to their positions. On this point, Atty. Montesa said that the rule of law has to be upheld and the rebel soldiers should be charged in both martial and civil courts. "They do not have a monopoly of idealism. Everyone here wants change. But we all have to be patient about the democratic process. Just because they have guns doesn't mean that they will be allowed to do this to the country."
Meanwhile, the Government confirmed that it has given the rebel group another period of two hours from the 5:00 pm deadline given earlier. Both Government and rebel groups are now forming their negotiating panels who will hopefully put a peaceful end to the siege.
"This is a very expensive gripe session." Lawyer Camilo Montesa said as the rebel group of soldiers encamped in Oakwood Apartment conducts a press conference. Rebel officers aired their sentiments about the lack of moral and the absurdity they felt seeing fellow soldiers die in the war in Mindanao amidst the corruption and all in the military. As discussion proceeded on the post-siege scenario, ABS-CBN news anchors wondered if the rebel soldiers will be allowed to go back to their positions. On this point, Atty. Montesa said that the rule of law has to be upheld and the rebel soldiers should be charged in both martial and civil courts. "They do not have a monopoly of idealism. Everyone here wants change. But we all have to be patient about the democratic process. Just because they have guns doesn't mean that they will be allowed to do this to the country."
Meanwhile, the Government confirmed that it has given the rebel group another period of two hours from the 5:00 pm deadline given earlier. Both Government and rebel groups are now forming their negotiating panels who will hopefully put a peaceful end to the siege.
Rebel Soldiers Now Willing to Let Pres. Arroyo Stay
Speaking to broadcast media, LT. SG Trillianes, spokesman of the group of rebel soldiers encamped in Oakwood Aprtments in Makati City, admitted this afternoon that the rebel group is no longer pushing for the resignation of Pres. Arroyo. He said the group has re-assessed the situation and is no longer desirous of waiting for the President to resign to end the current seige. However, he refused to make further comments on what are the remaining demands of the group. He also announced that the President has granted them an extension from the 5:00pm ultimatum announced earlier.
Speaking to broadcast media, LT. SG Trillianes, spokesman of the group of rebel soldiers encamped in Oakwood Aprtments in Makati City, admitted this afternoon that the rebel group is no longer pushing for the resignation of Pres. Arroyo. He said the group has re-assessed the situation and is no longer desirous of waiting for the President to resign to end the current seige. However, he refused to make further comments on what are the remaining demands of the group. He also announced that the President has granted them an extension from the 5:00pm ultimatum announced earlier.
Some Rebel Soldiers Surrender before Deadline
Fifteen among 200 rebel soldiers walked out of the hotel complex where rebel soldiers of the Philippine Government have encamped. See report here.
Fifteen among 200 rebel soldiers walked out of the hotel complex where rebel soldiers of the Philippine Government have encamped. See report here.
Civilians Troop to Historic EDSA Shrine
Civil society groups have converged in the EDSA shrine to declare support to the Government and pray for peace. Access here.
Civil society groups have converged in the EDSA shrine to declare support to the Government and pray for peace. Access here.
President Arroyo declares State of Rebellion
The President signed a proclamation declaring a state of rebellion in Makati City, and an order directing the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Poloce to quell the rebellion with due regard to constitutional rights.
As expected. the declaration charged the rebels with "Rebellion" instead of the crime of Coup d'etat, because the rebels have so far not attacked any government installation.
The President signed a proclamation declaring a state of rebellion in Makati City, and an order directing the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Poloce to quell the rebellion with due regard to constitutional rights.
As expected. the declaration charged the rebels with "Rebellion" instead of the crime of Coup d'etat, because the rebels have so far not attacked any government installation.
Links to Live By
Here is the website of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Unfortunately, it doesn't tell us much about the principal actors in the rebel forces.
This is the link to the website of the the Philippine Government. No news on the coup but a lot of background material. The following is the text of GMA's statement on the grievances of the young officers sometime on July 18
"I support any legitimate grievances of the young officers in the Armed Forces and I urge them to resolve these responsibly through the chain of command. The Chief of Staff is ordered to institutionalize a grievance mechanism for these matters, of which I want to be informed. We must strengthen a culture of disciplined transparency in the Armed Forces. This is the most effective way we can insulate the uniform from politics, avoid factionalism and promote professionalism."
The grievances were supposed to have been addressed at a dinner hosted by the President with the young officers. Apparently, this is not the case.
The website of Pres. Arroyo. Access here.
The Oakwood Apartments where the rebels have encamped. Access here.
Historical timeline of the Philippines from BBC. Access here.
Pictures of Makati City, the stage of the seige. Access now.
Here is the website of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Unfortunately, it doesn't tell us much about the principal actors in the rebel forces.
This is the link to the website of the the Philippine Government. No news on the coup but a lot of background material. The following is the text of GMA's statement on the grievances of the young officers sometime on July 18
"I support any legitimate grievances of the young officers in the Armed Forces and I urge them to resolve these responsibly through the chain of command. The Chief of Staff is ordered to institutionalize a grievance mechanism for these matters, of which I want to be informed. We must strengthen a culture of disciplined transparency in the Armed Forces. This is the most effective way we can insulate the uniform from politics, avoid factionalism and promote professionalism."
The grievances were supposed to have been addressed at a dinner hosted by the President with the young officers. Apparently, this is not the case.
The website of Pres. Arroyo. Access here.
The Oakwood Apartments where the rebels have encamped. Access here.
Historical timeline of the Philippines from BBC. Access here.
Pictures of Makati City, the stage of the seige. Access now.
The International Community Goes on Record on the Coup
Australia denounces coup. Access here
The US issued a statement earlier in support of the Arroyo Gov't. Access here.
BBC News published an analysis that the coup has little chance of success. The article claims, however, that it is a sympton of a wider malaise. Access here.
Australia denounces coup. Access here
The US issued a statement earlier in support of the Arroyo Gov't. Access here.
BBC News published an analysis that the coup has little chance of success. The article claims, however, that it is a sympton of a wider malaise. Access here.
Rebel Spokesman Rejects Ultimatum
LT Sgt. Trillanes, the spokesman of the rebel soliders, rejected the ultimatum of the President. He claimed that talking peace to the government is not an "option at this moment," and requested the media to await for the press conference which he claims will be conducted by the rebels later in the afternoon.
LT Sgt. Trillanes, the spokesman of the rebel soliders, rejected the ultimatum of the President. He claimed that talking peace to the government is not an "option at this moment," and requested the media to await for the press conference which he claims will be conducted by the rebels later in the afternoon.
Running Account of Coup Events
The Inquirer is publishing a running account of the coup. Access here.
The Inquirer is publishing a running account of the coup. Access here.
Pres. Arroyo Gives Ultimatum to Rebels
The President gave the rebels until 5:00 pm today to return to the barracks and leave Makati City. According to the President, should the rebels fail to return to the barracks by that time, reasonable force shall be used to take the rebels out of Makati.
Meanwhile, foregn guests in Hotel Intercontinental and Oakwood Hotel have been allowed to leave the premises of the seige.
In another development, Ex-Pres. Joseph Estrada was transferred to Camp Aguinaldo from his hospital suite in Veterans Memorail Hospital. His lawyers threaten to sue government operatives for contempt of court for having made the transfer without permission from the court hearing the ex-president's plunder cases.
The President gave the rebels until 5:00 pm today to return to the barracks and leave Makati City. According to the President, should the rebels fail to return to the barracks by that time, reasonable force shall be used to take the rebels out of Makati.
Meanwhile, foregn guests in Hotel Intercontinental and Oakwood Hotel have been allowed to leave the premises of the seige.
In another development, Ex-Pres. Joseph Estrada was transferred to Camp Aguinaldo from his hospital suite in Veterans Memorail Hospital. His lawyers threaten to sue government operatives for contempt of court for having made the transfer without permission from the court hearing the ex-president's plunder cases.
Peaceful in other places
We are at a grocery in Quezon Avenue and happy to report that it appears to be normal. It's the regular Sunday crowd oblivious to the events happening in Makati.
No major hitches but for Banco Filipino, my bank being off-line. However, Bancnet and Megalink ATM systems appear to be working.
We are at a grocery in Quezon Avenue and happy to report that it appears to be normal. It's the regular Sunday crowd oblivious to the events happening in Makati.
No major hitches but for Banco Filipino, my bank being off-line. However, Bancnet and Megalink ATM systems appear to be working.
Sen. Gringo Honasan denies Involvement in the Coup
Sen. Gringo Honasan spoke to broadcast media and denied any involvement in the current coup against the Government. He admitted, however, having talked to the rebels in connection with the drafting of his political platform, the "National Recovery Program". He further decried the alleged arrest warrant issued by the Government to arrest him for involvement in the coup which warrant he claimed violated his right to due process.
Sen. Gringo Honasan spoke to broadcast media and denied any involvement in the current coup against the Government. He admitted, however, having talked to the rebels in connection with the drafting of his political platform, the "National Recovery Program". He further decried the alleged arrest warrant issued by the Government to arrest him for involvement in the coup which warrant he claimed violated his right to due process.
Government and Rebel Soldiers Engage in Friendly Banter
Video footage from ABS-CBN News Channel shows government and rebel soldiers meeting each other for the first time since the discovery of the coup plot and engaging in friendly banter. The meeting took place at around 6:30 am at the back of SM Shoemart in Ayala Center where the rebels have encamped. The soldiers were both in their fatigue uniforms and armed with rifles. The rebels wore an orange band in their right arms inscribed with the ancient Malay writing for the letter "K". The symbol was last used during the Philippine Revolution in 1898 and stood for the name "Katipunan". The friendly encounter took place as leaders of government and rebel factions of the army engage in reconciliation talks somewhere in the city.
Video footage from ABS-CBN News Channel shows government and rebel soldiers meeting each other for the first time since the discovery of the coup plot and engaging in friendly banter. The meeting took place at around 6:30 am at the back of SM Shoemart in Ayala Center where the rebels have encamped. The soldiers were both in their fatigue uniforms and armed with rifles. The rebels wore an orange band in their right arms inscribed with the ancient Malay writing for the letter "K". The symbol was last used during the Philippine Revolution in 1898 and stood for the name "Katipunan". The friendly encounter took place as leaders of government and rebel factions of the army engage in reconciliation talks somewhere in the city.
Provisions of the Philippines's Revised Penal Code Punishing the Crime of Coup d'etat
After the bloody coups perpetrated by Sen. Gringo Honasan in the late 80's, the Philippine Government passed new legislation punishing the crime of coup d'etat. The text of the provisions of the law is as follows:
REBELLION, SEDITION AND DISLOYALTY
Art. 134. Rebellion or insurrection; How committed. — The crime of rebellion or insurrection is committed by rising publicly and taking arms against the Government for the purpose of removing from the allegiance to said Government or its laws, the territory of the Philippine Islands or any part thereof, of any body of land, naval or other armed forces, depriving the Chief Executive or the Legislature, wholly or partially, of any of their powers or prerogatives. (As amended by R.A. 6968).
Article 134-A. Coup d'etat; How committed. — The crime of coup d'etat is a swift attack accompanied by violence, intimidation, threat, strategy or stealth, directed against duly constituted authorities of the Republic of the Philippines, or any military camp or installation, communications network, public utilities or other facilities needed for the exercise and continued possession of power, singly or simultaneously carried out anywhere in the Philippines by any person or persons, belonging to the military or police or holding any public office of employment with or without civilian support or participation for the purpose of seizing or diminishing state power. (As amended by R.A. 6968).
Art. 135. Penalty for rebellion, insurrection or coup d'etat. — Any person who promotes, maintains, or heads rebellion or insurrection shall suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua.
Any person merely participating or executing the commands of others in a rebellion shall suffer the penalty of reclusion temporal.
Any person who leads or in any manner directs or commands others to undertake a coup d'etat shall suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua.
Any person in the government service who participates, or executes directions or commands of others in undertaking a coup d'etat shall suffer the penalty of prision mayor in its maximum period.
Any person not in the government service who participates, or in any manner supports, finances, abets or aids in undertaking a coup d'etat shall suffer the penalty of reclusion temporal in its maximum period.
When the rebellion, insurrection, or coup d'etat shall be under the command of unknown leaders, any person who in fact directed the others, spoke for them, signed receipts and other documents issued in their name, as performed similar acts, on behalf or the rebels shall be deemed a leader of such a rebellion, insurrection, or coup d'etat. (As amended by R.A. 6968, approved on October 24, 1990).
Art. 136. Conspiracy and proposal to commit coup d'etat, rebellion or insurrection. — The conspiracy and proposal to commit coup d'etat shall be punished by prision mayor in minimum period and a fine which shall not exceed eight thousand pesos (P8,000.00).
The conspiracy and proposal to commit rebellion or insurrection shall be punished respectively, by prision correccional in its maximum period and a fine which shall not exceed five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) and by prision correccional in its medium period and a fine not exceeding two thousand pesos (P2,000.00). (As amended by R.A. 6968, approved October 24, 1990).
Art. 137. Disloyalty of public officers or employees. — The penalty of prision correccional in its minimum period shall be imposed upon public officers or employees who have failed to resist a rebellion by all the means in their power, or shall continue to discharge the duties of their offices under the control of the rebels or shall accept appointment to office under them. (Reinstated by E.O. No. 187).
Note at that at this point, there has been no attack against the Government yet or against any institution needed to attain power. The rebels have merely encamped in Ayala Center near the Manila Hilton which houses foreign guests.
After the bloody coups perpetrated by Sen. Gringo Honasan in the late 80's, the Philippine Government passed new legislation punishing the crime of coup d'etat. The text of the provisions of the law is as follows:
REBELLION, SEDITION AND DISLOYALTY
Art. 134. Rebellion or insurrection; How committed. — The crime of rebellion or insurrection is committed by rising publicly and taking arms against the Government for the purpose of removing from the allegiance to said Government or its laws, the territory of the Philippine Islands or any part thereof, of any body of land, naval or other armed forces, depriving the Chief Executive or the Legislature, wholly or partially, of any of their powers or prerogatives. (As amended by R.A. 6968).
Article 134-A. Coup d'etat; How committed. — The crime of coup d'etat is a swift attack accompanied by violence, intimidation, threat, strategy or stealth, directed against duly constituted authorities of the Republic of the Philippines, or any military camp or installation, communications network, public utilities or other facilities needed for the exercise and continued possession of power, singly or simultaneously carried out anywhere in the Philippines by any person or persons, belonging to the military or police or holding any public office of employment with or without civilian support or participation for the purpose of seizing or diminishing state power. (As amended by R.A. 6968).
Art. 135. Penalty for rebellion, insurrection or coup d'etat. — Any person who promotes, maintains, or heads rebellion or insurrection shall suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua.
Any person merely participating or executing the commands of others in a rebellion shall suffer the penalty of reclusion temporal.
Any person who leads or in any manner directs or commands others to undertake a coup d'etat shall suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua.
Any person in the government service who participates, or executes directions or commands of others in undertaking a coup d'etat shall suffer the penalty of prision mayor in its maximum period.
Any person not in the government service who participates, or in any manner supports, finances, abets or aids in undertaking a coup d'etat shall suffer the penalty of reclusion temporal in its maximum period.
When the rebellion, insurrection, or coup d'etat shall be under the command of unknown leaders, any person who in fact directed the others, spoke for them, signed receipts and other documents issued in their name, as performed similar acts, on behalf or the rebels shall be deemed a leader of such a rebellion, insurrection, or coup d'etat. (As amended by R.A. 6968, approved on October 24, 1990).
Art. 136. Conspiracy and proposal to commit coup d'etat, rebellion or insurrection. — The conspiracy and proposal to commit coup d'etat shall be punished by prision mayor in minimum period and a fine which shall not exceed eight thousand pesos (P8,000.00).
The conspiracy and proposal to commit rebellion or insurrection shall be punished respectively, by prision correccional in its maximum period and a fine which shall not exceed five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) and by prision correccional in its medium period and a fine not exceeding two thousand pesos (P2,000.00). (As amended by R.A. 6968, approved October 24, 1990).
Art. 137. Disloyalty of public officers or employees. — The penalty of prision correccional in its minimum period shall be imposed upon public officers or employees who have failed to resist a rebellion by all the means in their power, or shall continue to discharge the duties of their offices under the control of the rebels or shall accept appointment to office under them. (Reinstated by E.O. No. 187).
Note at that at this point, there has been no attack against the Government yet or against any institution needed to attain power. The rebels have merely encamped in Ayala Center near the Manila Hilton which houses foreign guests.
GMA Cabinet Reacts
Sec. Joey Lina decried the attempt to grab power by the junior officers and laments that the rebels have not gone through the proper channels to air their grievances. Sec. Roilo Golez claims that the junior officers violated a pact that they entered with the President concerning their grievances in a dinner held a few days ago. Sec. Golez further said that they have already sent people to talk the rebels out of what they are doing.
The rebels claim that they have 2,000 armed men in the Makati area and in other parts of the country. They also claim that they have senior officers of the military on their side. Sec. Lina claimed this is just a form of psy war and belittled the force of the rebels.
Sec. Joey Lina decried the attempt to grab power by the junior officers and laments that the rebels have not gone through the proper channels to air their grievances. Sec. Roilo Golez claims that the junior officers violated a pact that they entered with the President concerning their grievances in a dinner held a few days ago. Sec. Golez further said that they have already sent people to talk the rebels out of what they are doing.
The rebels claim that they have 2,000 armed men in the Makati area and in other parts of the country. They also claim that they have senior officers of the military on their side. Sec. Lina claimed this is just a form of psy war and belittled the force of the rebels.
Rebels turn the table on the Government
The rebels have released a statement that they are merely withdrawing their support from the Philippine government and are not out to grab power. See report here.
They charged the President of plotting to declare martial law to perpetuate herself in power. They also claimed that the government plotted the bombings in Davao in order to let the terrorist tag against the MILF stick. They also claimed that the PHilipine government sold arms to the MILF.
They are pushing for the National Recovery Program, which was drafted by Sen. Gringo Honazan, a renegade soldier responsible for the bloody coup of 1989.
The rebels have released a statement that they are merely withdrawing their support from the Philippine government and are not out to grab power. See report here.
They charged the President of plotting to declare martial law to perpetuate herself in power. They also claimed that the government plotted the bombings in Davao in order to let the terrorist tag against the MILF stick. They also claimed that the PHilipine government sold arms to the MILF.
They are pushing for the National Recovery Program, which was drafted by Sen. Gringo Honazan, a renegade soldier responsible for the bloody coup of 1989.
The Rule of Force
Today is Sunday in Manila. Let there be peace.
Last night, July 25, 2003, Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo announced that a coup d'etat has been discovered by the Philippine Government. At least ten junior officers of the Philippine Army and Navy were named as part of the plotters who have since abandoned their posts and have remained unaccounted. See report here.
At this moment, media reported that the rebel soldiers are laying bombs at the Ayala Center.
See the report here. The plotters are part of the elite forces and are reportedly experts in explosives. See report here.
CNN has a report here.
The details of the planned coup were disclosed by the President to the civil society groups yesterday in the presence of Cardinal Sin. The plot allegedy involves the re-installation of Pres. Estrada to the Presidency. See report here. But Estrada has denied any involvement in the plot.
List of Google News Reports on the coup can be found here.
Today is Sunday in Manila. Let there be peace.
Last night, July 25, 2003, Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo announced that a coup d'etat has been discovered by the Philippine Government. At least ten junior officers of the Philippine Army and Navy were named as part of the plotters who have since abandoned their posts and have remained unaccounted. See report here.
At this moment, media reported that the rebel soldiers are laying bombs at the Ayala Center.
See the report here. The plotters are part of the elite forces and are reportedly experts in explosives. See report here.
CNN has a report here.
The details of the planned coup were disclosed by the President to the civil society groups yesterday in the presence of Cardinal Sin. The plot allegedy involves the re-installation of Pres. Estrada to the Presidency. See report here. But Estrada has denied any involvement in the plot.
List of Google News Reports on the coup can be found here.
