Former president dismisses 'wild' allegations of kidnap plan
The Philippines' justice secretary and a senator have accused former president Corazon Aquino of plotting to kill or kidnap Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in a bid to seize the presidency.
Raul Gonzalez accused Mrs Aquino of plotting the power grab with Senate leader Franklin Drilon, her former justice chief. Mr Gonzalez's claims, made on Saturday, were backed up by Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who said she had an 'impeccable' source.
Both Mrs Aquino and Senator Drilon have denied the claims.
If President Arroyo did not step down or was not ousted by a military coup by October 15, then both would have her 'removed physically' from office, Senator Santiago said.
'Of course, 'physical removal' refers to assassination,' said Senator Santiago, a former judge. 'Hence I told President Arroyo that she should beef up her security.'
She said her source, a relative of Senator Drilon, 'even boasted that President Aquino has strengthened her ties with military generals'.