Esperon unperturbed despite escalating protests

Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr on Sunday said he is not bothered by the escalating political noise generated by the ZTE mess, adding that coup plotters would not enjoy the support of the military. “As long as they have permits, as long as they can police their ranks, that’s OK. As long as it is in the legal form of expression, then we should not be worried about that," Esperon told reporters. On Friday, close to 10,000 protesters massed at the Ninoy Aquino monument in Makati City to express support for NBN-ZTE star witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada and demand the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo over corruption issues. On Sunday, about 5,000 people, including former president Corazon Aquino and members of the Black and White Movement, attended a prayer rally at the La Salle Green Hills in San Juan also in support of Lozada. On Monday, anti-Arroyo groups scheduled another prayer rally at the Ateneo de Manila University compound in Quezon City. On February 25, multi-sectoral groups would launch street protests to mark the 22nd year of the Edsa People Power I, said opposition spokesman Adel Tamano. Esperon said the Armed Forces of the Philippines has not received any information of a destabilization or a power grab attempt to coincide with the protest rallies. However, he said the Armed Forces will be on alert. “I have not seen a situation like that. The Armed Forces is very solid. I think we should allow the rule of law to prevail. The Armed Forces will be constitutional, instead of taking part in destabilization or power grab. A power grab is not to the interest of the country," he said. Esperon said groups planning to destabilize the government in the last few months have lied low but “we’re not letting our guards down." “It will not be good for everybody if there would be violence, especially if it is extra-legal. So we will not let our guards down," he said. When asked if the time is ripe for a power grab, Esperon said: “I do not think it’s the most opportune time. If we are talking about the rule of law, it (NBN-ZTE issue) is proceeding properly and then hopefully, it will progress into filing of cases." “So everything is still under due process. So as long as things go by the process, by due process, constitutional means, our prospects is better, the better for us. You wouldn’t want an Armed Forces that would take things into its hands. So we will remain as your security forces," he added. - GMANews.TV