Trillanes warns of coup plot, chaos if elections manipulated

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV. INQUIRER.net PHOTO/Julliane Love de Jesus

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said a military coup will likely happen in the next administration if propagandists will continue to manipulate the campaign and the upcoming national elections next year.

Asked in a media forum on Monday if a coup attempt by young military officers in the next administration is possible, Trillanes said: “I believe so it’s very real. I don’t want to be a doomsayer but we already have historical precedents. That’s what will happen if anyone tinkers with the elections.”

“Not only that, if we are going to have an oppressive president, I think the media too will start calling out for people power,” the vice presidential aspirant said.

This was discussed after Trillanes said Senator Grace Poe had a basis when she pointed to administration bet Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and Vice President Jejomar Binay as those behind the attempts to eliminate her from the presidential race.

READ: Poe says Roxas, Binay behind disqualification move

Both camps of Binay and Roxas denied their alleged involvement behind the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) disqualification of Poe for falling short of the 10-year residency period.

Asked if political instability will follow if somebody wins because popular candidates have been disqualified, Trillanes said: “Yes, we believe that will happen. If we try to tinker or manipulate the elections, nagkakagulo talaga (chaos would ensue).”

READ: Poe appeals Comelec DQ ruling | Comelec 2nd division disqualifies Grace Poe from presidential race

He cited earlier events which had triggered military coup and people power revolutions to unseat presidents for manipulating the elections.

“So whoever is planning this, that they can govern by propaganda, that will not work,” Trillanes said.

“Kung ako sa inyo, galingan nyo na lang, may oras pa. Kumbinsihin niyo na lang ang mga kababayan natin that you are deserving instead of resorting to shortcuts or winning by default,” he said.

(If I were you, I would just do my best, there is still time. Convince our countrymen that you are deserving instead of resorting to shortcuts or winning by default.) CDG