Embattled Philippine Leader Appeals to Army for Support
October 23, 2000 - 0:0
MANILA Embattled Philippine President Joseph Estrada on Sunday enlisted the support of the country's armed forces as calls mounted for him to resign over allegations he received bribes from illegal gambling syndicates.
Estrada, speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the new army chief Lietenant General Diomedio Villanueva, noted that the public elected him in 1998 to a six-year term that calls for him to step down were unconstitutional.
He also blasted his critics as self-serving politicians out to destroy the presidency.
"Today as we turn over the command of the Philippine Army from one dedicated officer to another, I ask you to join me in preserving the Constitution and not the selfish motives of those who seek to violate its sanctity for their own political ends," AFP quoted Estrada as saying.
"This is what we have been sworn to do, this is what we have been sworn to protect. This is what it shall be." The presidency, Estrada said, has been besieged by "politically motivated attacks" aimed at discrediting his "moral credibility" to lead.
But such moves are doomed to fail, because the "veil of deceit can never conquer the light of truth," Estrada said.
He was referring to allegations made by former friend, provincial governor Luis Singson, that he received more than eight million dollars in payoffs from operators of an illegal lottery called Jueteng over two years.
Estrada on Sunday reiterated his innocence, even as opposition legislators earlier filed an impeachment complaint at the House of Representatives.
The powerful Roman Catholic Church, as well as former presidents Corazon Aquino and Fidel Ramos, have led public calls for Estrada to step down.
Estrada, stressing he was "given a mandate to govern" by the people, rejected the calls and likened himself to a soldier who does not abandon a fallen comrade while in battle.
"I am firmly convinced that we shall overcome the assaults against the integrity of our republic because we believe in the righteousness of our cause and ideal," he said.
"We shall overcome because we have the loyalty, the commitment and the dedication of an armed forces that upholds the ideals of democracy and freedom." He said his opponents were "sorely mistaken" if they thought the political crisis could distract him from his duties, and vowed to continue with his pro-poor programs.
Estrada, speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the new army chief Lietenant General Diomedio Villanueva, noted that the public elected him in 1998 to a six-year term that calls for him to step down were unconstitutional.
He also blasted his critics as self-serving politicians out to destroy the presidency.
"Today as we turn over the command of the Philippine Army from one dedicated officer to another, I ask you to join me in preserving the Constitution and not the selfish motives of those who seek to violate its sanctity for their own political ends," AFP quoted Estrada as saying.
"This is what we have been sworn to do, this is what we have been sworn to protect. This is what it shall be." The presidency, Estrada said, has been besieged by "politically motivated attacks" aimed at discrediting his "moral credibility" to lead.
But such moves are doomed to fail, because the "veil of deceit can never conquer the light of truth," Estrada said.
He was referring to allegations made by former friend, provincial governor Luis Singson, that he received more than eight million dollars in payoffs from operators of an illegal lottery called Jueteng over two years.
Estrada on Sunday reiterated his innocence, even as opposition legislators earlier filed an impeachment complaint at the House of Representatives.
The powerful Roman Catholic Church, as well as former presidents Corazon Aquino and Fidel Ramos, have led public calls for Estrada to step down.
Estrada, stressing he was "given a mandate to govern" by the people, rejected the calls and likened himself to a soldier who does not abandon a fallen comrade while in battle.
"I am firmly convinced that we shall overcome the assaults against the integrity of our republic because we believe in the righteousness of our cause and ideal," he said.
"We shall overcome because we have the loyalty, the commitment and the dedication of an armed forces that upholds the ideals of democracy and freedom." He said his opponents were "sorely mistaken" if they thought the political crisis could distract him from his duties, and vowed to continue with his pro-poor programs.