MANILA, Philippines -- Liberal Party bet Senator Benigno ``Noynoy?? Aquino III said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo should be the last person to think of ceding control of the government to a military junta because of her constitutional duty to uphold civilian supremacy.

``The very first action of a Chief Executive is to uphold the Constitution which clearly states the supremacy of civilian authority over the military. To let a military junta take control and do nothing is nonfeasance,?? said Aquino who noted that the President could be held liable for treason.

In a phone interview, Aquino said he was shocked why the President, through her assigned spokesperson, would even consider giving way to a military junta in case of a failure of elections.

``At the very least, she (the President) should not cause undue anxiety among the populace, she should calm down the public. What is the purpose of raising this scenario? Are they conditioning our minds that this will be the inevitable outcome of a failure of elections??? said Aquino.

Last Friday, Deputy Presidential Spokeswoman Charito Planas told reporters: ?There is a provision in the Constitution where the military can take over. That could be done. Military juntas have taken over in several countries especially in Southeast Asia.?? Planas also cited Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile?s earlier remarks of a possible military takeover in case of a failed election to prove her point.

Aquino said that as Mrs. Arroyo?s designated spokesperson, Planas was voicing out what the President had in mind. Aside from the President, Aquino said the military and the police were also duty-bound to uphold the supremacy of the people.

After having fought against a dictatorship under Marcos, Aquino said the people would not accept any move to fall under the rule a military.