Defensor: Palace helpless in getting Lim interview video

Malacañang officials conceded Friday that they are incapable of compelling the Associated Broadcasting Corp. (ABC-5) to turn over its alleged exclusive interview of a military general linked a foiled coup plot. Presidential Chief of Staff Michael Defensor said the Palace can only wait until ABC-5 is required by a trial court to produce a copy of the video recording of its interview with former Scout Rangers commander Brigadier Gen. Danilo Lim. The interview purportedly aired on the evening of February 23. Defensor said Malacañang is planning to go to court to force ABC-5 to furnish the National Security Council (NSC) a video copy of the interview. The NSC has allegedly been requesting for the video since February 24, the day President Arroyo declared emergency rule. Defensor said the government would use Lim's interview to prove that the former military commander took part in attempts to overthrow the government. In the interview, Lim allegedly declared he was withdrawing his support from the government and that he and other disgruntled soldiers were planning to join the February 24 rally at the Ayala Avenue commemorating the 20th anniversary of the first People Power revolt. The ABC management has said that while it was true that Lim was interviewed by one of its reporters last February 23, the interview was never aired in their news program. Defensor said: “Unless there is a legal cover for them, it is part of their right [to refuse to give us a copy of the interview]. But once the courts issue a subpoena [for the taped interview], they have no choice but to submit a copy to the courts.” Defensor said that even if ABC-5 does not give government a copy of the interview, “we have a very strong case … for the government [against Lim].”-GMANews.TV