Palace: Proof enough to nail Adaza group for plotting coup

MANILA, Philippines - There is enough evidence to pin down former assemblyman Homobono Adaza and the four other individuals arrested with him, a Malacañang official said Sunday. This, as Malacañang denied it is going after the defenders and allies of anti-administration forces in an effort to silence its enemies. Interviewed over dzBB radio, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Sergio Antonio Apostol said there is enough evidence against Adaza, counsel of some rebel soldiers, to back the charges filed against him and his four co-accused. "Hindi totoo iyan (That’s not true). There is enough evidence against Adaza and the four colonels… That's why cases were filed. The problem here is, it's not easy to look for justice in this country if we listen to the opposition, because the opposition always plays politics, not justice," he said. Apostol was reacting to the statement of opposition senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr who said that the administration has shifted its attention to the counsels of anti-Arroyo groups and personalities. Apostol said authorities have been building up the case against Adaza and the four other individuals arrested with him – former Colonels Ernie Amboy, Oscarlito Mapalo, Cesar de la Pena, and ex-Police Supt. Rafael Cardeño. The five were arrested last Wednesday based on a complaint filed by lawyer Raymund Fortun, who alleged that the group tried to extort US$4 million from his Japanese client, Monotori Sakuma, to fund a plot to overthrow the Arroyo administration. Apostol noted that Fortun was formerly a counsel of deposed President Joseph Estrada, the leading figurehead in the opposition. Meanwhile, despite reports of a brewing coup plot, President Arroyo would still proceed with her activitites lined up for the week, including those outside of Malacañang and Metro Manila. "The President will continue to focus on public service. She will not be distracted by politics or political destabilization. After all, public service is the best politics," Presidential Management Staff Director General Cerge Remonde Remonde said. The President on Monday is set to address the 8th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Science and Technology Week that the Philippines is hosting and opening at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Friday that intelligence reports showed that there are planned movements and actions close to the State of the Nation Address of the President on July 28. The military, however, is shrugging off the threat being posed by Adaza and his group. Interviewed in Camp Aguinaldo Sunday, Armed Forces Chief Gen. Alexander Yano said the coup plot allegedly being hatched by Adaza and his group does not merit military attention. “That may be considered a coup (plan) but its not serious that should merit military concern,” he said. “There may be some proof that warrants you being charged, but that does not mean that it is a military concern. Anybody can plot a coup," he added. - GMANews.TV