Malacañang pooh-poohs fresh coup threat

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang remains unfazed with a fresh attempt at ousting the administration, saying the public is no longer interested in "short cuts" to achieve reforms. This, after "Para sa Bayan" (for the nation), which claimed junior military officers as members, vowed to oust President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who was called a "usurper who has violated the sovereign will of the people." In a press conference Monday, Press Secretary Jesus G. Dureza said Mrs. Arroyo was not distracted by the supposed threat and believes that these were fragments of her critics’ imagination. Mrs. Arroyo, in her seven-year presidency, has survived destabilization attempts that were quashed by loyal military leaders who now occupy civilian posts. Narciso Abaya, military chief during the 2003 Oakwood mutiny, is president of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority. Generoso C. Senga, chief-of-staff during the 2006 Marine standoff in Fort Bonifacio, is ambassador to Iran. Hermogenes C. Esperon, Jr., chief-of-staff during the 2007 Peninsula Manila hotel siege, is Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. - BusinessWorld