P-Noy critics warned vs committing seditious acts

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang has repeatedly issued a stern warning against critics of President Aquino, including his maternal uncle Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, that persistent calls for his resignation will not be readily swept under the rug.

All three Malacañang spokespersons – from Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. to presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda and his deputy Abigail Valte – have consistently warned detractors against going beyond the lawful freedom of expression.

“As mentioned by the secretary of justice, you have to do that within the bounds of law and there are certain things that, while expressing your opinion, you cannot do in particular,” Valte told journalists in an informal briefing yesterday.

“So perhaps that is just a reminder. They will keep doing this until… It is up to them when they will continue to do this but at least on the part of government, we stand firm on the position of the President,” she added.

Lacierda also made similar pronouncements earlier.

“It’s a statement made by Secretary Leila de Lima on issues – or rather, on statements that may sound... going beyond the pale of the freedom of expression,” Lacierda said when asked about the sentiments of Cojuangco and former defense secretary Norberto Gonzales.

Cojuangco, his wife former Tarlac governor Tingting Cojuangco, Gonzales – who served as a security adviser of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo – and several others comprise the National Transition Council that has repeatedly called for Aquino’s resignation.

“I would defer to Secretary of Justice Leila de Lima. She would be in a better position to determine what would constitute sedition, what would constitute coup d’etat. Those acts are clearly defined under our penal laws,” Lacierda said.

Coloma also issued a similar warning to demonstrators who want Aquino out.

Coloma also cited the statements of De Lima regarding moves to oust the President.

He said this is the basis for the government to warn the continuing anti-government protests.

Coloma said it is the job of the Department of Justice to ensure that no laws are violated.

Malacañang also belittled the alleged call of former Marine colonel Generoso Mariano for the Armed Forces to withdraw its support from the President following the Mamasapano fiasco.

Valte said it was not the first time Mariano made such call.

“Mariano has made these sentiments known. I understand that he has done the same in 2011 and his call went generally unheeded by men in the uniformed service,” Valte said.

“There is no expectation that it will change in the present situation,” she said of the former Marine officer.

Valte said the Navy court-martial convicted Mariano in June 2013 for criticizing Aquino on the continued poverty in the country.

On the other hand, hundreds of students from the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City joined calls for the ouster of President Aquino over the Mamasapano fiasco and the continuing increase in tuition and other school fees.

The students joined other multi-sectoral organizations in a protest in Mendiola.

Also taking part in the student walkout were members of different militant youth organizations form different schools in the country.

“From EDSA we return to Mendiola, which is near the seat of power. We come from various communities, schools and workplaces demanding that the current leadership step down and that a People’s Council for National Unity, Reforms and Peace be established,” said Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) secretary-general Renato Reyes.

The groups decried what they called a cover-up of Aquino’s role in the Mamasapano incident where 44 policemen were killed in a firefight with Muslim rebels on Jan. 25. – With Janvic Mateo, Rhodina Villanueva