AFP: We're not planning junta if elections fail

The Philippine Armed Forces on Tuesday dismissed speculations that it was preparing for a military takeover in case the May 10 automated polls fail. Military spokesman Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. told GMA Network’s Unang Hirit the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) are ready to ensure peaceful and orderly elections. "The AFP is professional and solid amid these speculations. The AFP is really focused on its mission, together with the PNP, to maintain peace and security during the elections… We haven’t even thought about a failed election scenario," Burgos said in Filipino. Last Sunday, Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales contradicted an earlier statement by deputy presidential spokesman Charito Planas that the government might create a military junta in case elections fail. "Let’s not talk about failure of elections. [The Commission on Elections] does not see any possibility of such occurrence... [The] government is not preparing for any failure of elections because it will not happen. There is no need to do so," Gonzales said in a statement.

Gonzales also denied rumors that the possible military takeover floated by Planas was meant to keep President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in power. In a radio interview earlier in the day, Planas blamed the media for blowing the matter out of proportion, claiming journalists had been in a jumble to make "headlines." (See: Palace exec blames media for spread of junta rumors) No such plan As talks of a military takeover spread over the weekend, the commanding generals of the Philippine Army and Philippine Marines denied these. (See: Arroyo mistahs deny junta rumors) Last Sunday, Burgos maintained that the military would not resort to anything unconstitutional in case elections fail. "The AFP… will always uphold the rule of law, and support and defend the Constitution. The AFP is… preoccupied with so much work," he said. During the Unang Hirit interview on Tuesday, Burgos said the military would "punish" anyone who violates the 1987 Constitution. Armed Forces chief Gen. Delfin Bangit earlier assured the public that the military would not take sides in the upcoming elections. Government critics have described Bangit as a "yes-man" of President Arroyo, and could be used to keep her in power beyond June 30. Bangit belongs to the Philippine Military Academy’s (PMA) Makatarungan Class of 1978, of which Mrs. Arroyo is an honorary member. Malacañang and Bangit have since dismissed the allegations. Poll failure The Omnibus Election Code provides that in case elections fail, the Comelec, acting on a petition, must hold another set of polls not later than 30 days. Ramon Casiple of the Institute of Political and Electoral Reform (IPER) told the same TV show chances of a poll failure at the national level were almost nil. While Casiple admitted that there might be trouble in some areas, it could be addressed so that national election results won't be affected. “That scenario is unlikely. The Comelec can hold special elections within 30 days. The Comelec still has time," he said in Filipino. Meanwhile, as rumors of a military takeover continued to spread, President Arroyo’s election lawyer on Monday asked the Comelec to penalize rumormongers. Deputy presidential spokesman Gary Olivar said rumors of a junta were “in the realm of fantasy." (See: Penalties sought for persons spreading ‘no-election’ rumors) — LBG/RSJ/NPA, GMANews.TV