Philippines: Top official denies military plot to topple president

The national security adviser for the Philippines denied on Saturday that there was a plot to topple President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, claiming that the military and the security community as a whole supported the head of state.

“Yes, there were healthy and passionate exchanges (and) debates among some retired or former military officers and even some criticism against certain policies of the current administration, but they are within the bounds of our democratic space,” National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said.

Following reports in the media on Friday that Philippine military chief Romeo Brawner had informed troops about “destabilisation efforts,” Año made his remarks. Some military officers had stated that “the president should be replaced for many reasons” and “there should be another coup d’etat.”

In last year’s presidential elections, Marcos, the son and heir apparent of the late strongman of the Philippines overthrown in a “people power” rebellion in 1986, won with overwhelming margins.

According to a September opinion poll, he has experienced a “significant” decline in approval ratings, though, as rising consumer prices in the Philippines have made it harder for him to maintain support.

The office of Marcos remained silent for the time being.

Following the toppling of President Ferdinand Marcos in 1986, there have been over a dozen attempts at coup in the Philippines.

(With agency inputs)