Defense chief: Danilo Lim can run in 2010 polls

MANILA, Philippines - Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. sees no problem with former Scout Ranger chief Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim running in the 2010 elections despite his alleged attempt to overthrow the Arroyo government three years ago. Interviewed in Camp Aguinaldo on Wednesday, Teodoro said under the Constitution, Lim is qualified to run for government post. He also noted that the detained general has not been convicted of a crime yet. "General Lim has not been convicted by final judgment so he can do what he wants politically," Teodoro said. A number of active and retired military officers, as well as several civilians, had earlier signed a manifesto of support for Lim, who is facing a charge of mutiny before a military court in connection with the alleged plot to overthrow the Arroyo administration in February 2006. Teodoro belittled the manifesto, saying the active soldiers who signed it are those currently facing various offenses within the military organization. “There is no one coming from the Armed Forces in active duty who is not facing an offense right now who supported it (manifesto),” the Defense chief said. Among the active officers who signed the manifesto were Medal of Valor awardees Col. Ariel Querubin and Lt. Col. Custodio Parcon; Col. Orlando de Leon; Lt. Col. Edmundo Malabanjot; Lt. Col. Nestor Flordeliza; Maj. Jason Aquino; and Capt. Ruben Guinolbay. Most of them have been linked to destabilization plots against the government in the past. - GMANews.TV