Forces may be asked to step in says army chief

The chief of the Philippines' 105,000 strong military yesterday admitted receiving notice from undisclosed "personalities" on the possible use of the armed forces in ending a constitutional impasse that is threatening the stability of the government.

"They apprised me about the situation, and that the situation might call on the military to protect the people and the state," Abaya was quoted by news website Inq7.net in an exclusive report yesterday.

Abaya did not name who the personalities were, but the U.S. military academy-educated armed forces chief had placed his forces on its highest state of alert since Monday on the orders of President Gloria Arroyo.

In the past, the military has figured strongly in deciding crucial state issues, including the ouster of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986 and in deposing president Joseph Estrada in 2001.

The armed forces launched the mutiny against Marcos 17 years ago that sparked a popular uprising. A reversal in roles took place in 2001 when the people rebelled against the alleged corrupt administration of Estrada and the military withdrew support to the president, backing the revolt.

In the report yesterday, Abaya said the military may once again be called into action in the latest crisis.

Arroyo also made it clear that she would enforce whatever decision the Supreme Court would have on the crucial issue. "The executive branch will continue to take the cue from the Supreme Court on the exclusive interpretation of the law," she said.

Arroyo admitted that democratic institutions under her government remain weak despite her efforts to bring in a 'strong republic'. "Our republic is not that strong and that is why we have these transient spikes of destabilisation running alongside political controversies."