Retired general supports Lozada but warns military of joining oust-Arroyo moves

By Ronron
February 17, 2008

Former Defense Secretary and Army commander retired Gen. Fortunato Abat may be supporting NBN scandal witness Rodolfo Lozada, Jr. in the latter’s expose against alleged corruption in government, but he said the military should distance itself from calls for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

After attending the mass yesterday at La Salle Greenhills in support of Lozada, Abat said in an interview that he believes the NBN scandal witness is telling the truth, even without presenting other forms of evidence.

“I hope Lozada will sustain the truth, that he will not lose track… I think everything he said is true,” Abat said.

But when asked if he wants the military to join the oust Arroyo efforts as a result of Lozada’s expose, Abat said: “I am always calling for the military to be apolitical, neutral, and not participate in these political activities.”

“As protector of the people, the military should remain neutral and just ensure that there is peace and order,” he added.

He made the same appeal to the Philippine National Police (PNP), which, he said, must look after the “Constitutional rights of the people.”

In a phone interview, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said yesterday that the organization is “very solid” as he also appeals for “the rule of law to prevail” amidst the current controversies.

“The Armed Forces would be Constitutional. There is no destabilization through power grab. A power grab is not to the interest of the country,” Esperon said.

But he said the military leadership will not let down its guard for any eventuality.

Abat said Lozada’s allegations just show how rotten the current political system in the country is.

“For as long as she impedes the process to know and unravel the truth about her legitimacy, her manner of governance, and the other issues, the people will not respect her presidency,” Abat said, referring to Arroyo.

He said the repeated refusal of the Arroyo government to shed light on the issues hurled against it is an indication of guilt.

Asked if he had made contacts with some military officials to get their sentiment or stand on the revelations of Lozada regarding the NBN deal, Abat said: “I don’t and I don’t intend to because they know I am controversial.”

Abat had been calling for Arroyo’s resignation in the past few years following the expose of the alleged 2004 electoral fraud./DMS