Palace: Arroyo camp behind disgruntled colonel

Malacañang on Sunday accused the camp of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of being behind a now retired Marine colonel’s call for the ouster of President Aquino.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte also shrugged off Col. Generoso Mariano’s call, saying that no one in the military shared his sentiments.

Mariano was questioned by the military for his controversial statements made on a video now circulating in social networking sites where he called on soldiers to “replace the government.”

“We are confident that our soldiers will uphold the Constitution, secure the country and not engage in politics,” Valte said.

In an interview over state-run dzRB radio, Valte said that Mariano was not sacked but was set to retire yesterday and was asked to explain his actions since he was supposed to uphold the Constitution and not engage in partisan politics.

Valte said that “obviously it’s [Mariano’s call] to further the interest of someone else.”

Pressed on what might have prompted Mariano to do such a thing, she said: “He is free to work full-time for Representative Arroyo after he retires. But not when he is in active duty.”

Asked why she linked Arroyo, who is now a Pampanga representative, she said it was “just based on what her allies have been saying so far and what Colonel Mariano was saying so far.”

“Let’s listen to what he is saying and let’s also listen to what critics of President Aquino are saying. They are all saying the same things. Let’s see who have been saying the same thing as Colonel Mariano and we will find out,” she said.

The military itself is unfazed by Mariano’s actions, saying the disgruntled colonel had no sympathizers among its ranks.

“I can assure you no one (harbors the same sentiments). We never had it so good. We have a president who understands the armed forces,” AFP spokesperson Commodore Miguel Rodriguez said in a separate radio interview.

Despite Mariano’s retirement, he is not exempted from possible sanctions pending the result of the investigation by the Marine Corps.

Navy spokesperson Lt. Col. Omar Tonsay earlier said that Mariano could face charges of sedition and conduct unbecoming an officer.