Ousted Philippine President Joseph Estrada yesterday praised last weekend's failed military mutiny, saying he admires the young officers for standing up for their cause, but he denied any involvement in the plot.
Estrada, who is on trial on plunder charges, also denied knowing or having met any of the rebel solders, including their detained spokesman, Navy Lieutenant Senior Grade Antonio Trillanes.
"But I admire him. I admire Captain Trillanes because of his cause," Estrada told DZBB radio.
Asked if he opposed moves to bring down President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's government, the detained Estrada said "that thought has not crossed my mind." But asked if he would have accepted reinstatement if the mutiny had succeeded, he said he would if he were recognized "as the legitimate president."
Estrada insisted that Arroyo's government is "illegitimate" and "unconstitutional" and that coup charges against the renegade soldiers were wrong.
As vice president, Arroyo succeeded Estrada after he was toppled by a military-backed "people power" uprising in January 2001. He was arrested three months later and is standing trial for plunder, a capital offense.
http://www.etaiwannews.com/Asia/2003/08/02/1059790757.htmI wonder who's actually committed more sins, Saddam's sons or Arroyo?
http://www.geocities.com/darkerxdarker