Amid the highly charged atmosphere and shifting allegiances of Philippine politics, the country's top military's top commander this week took a stand.
Uttering words welcome to many in the unsettled nation, if not entirely believed, armed forces chief of staff General Generoso Senga declared that the era of a politicised and coup-prone military was over. 'I will resist the establishment of a [junta] ... even at the cost of my own life,' the handsome, scholarly looking bespectacled soldier said.
An increasing number of frustrated political groups see the military as the one force that can unseat an unpopular and, many say, untrustworthy president.
A month ago, an alleged coup plot was foiled when General Senga, 55, refused to co-operate with its instigators. He admitted this week that despite a roundup of 'plotters', conspiracies to overthrow President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo continue to simmer. And despite his pledge to uphold civilian rule, those who have dealt with General Senga are not sure he has the strength to enforce that pledge.
His eight months in the top post have been marred with cases of serious insubordination, by officers defying his direct orders. The latest was the foiled plot of February 23, when at least 20 officers attempted to peacefully withdraw their support from Mrs Arroyo by joining a civilian protest led by former president Corazon Aquino.
The officers' attempt at mutiny came despite last-minute warnings from General Senga, and after several other incidents that illustrated his questionable authority over subordinates.
