Ramos says RP coup possible

Ramos says RP coup possible

HONG KONG (AFP): Former Philippine president Fidel Ramos
warned on Tuesday a military coup was possible if the current
embattled leader Joseph Estrada was acquitted of corruption
charges.

Ramos, in Hong Kong to promote Philippine investment
opportunities, told journalists that a coup "could be possible
but it is not probable" adding that a "palace coup" was also a
likely scenario.

He said a palace coup would result in Estrada supporters
moving the president into a ceremonial position and establishing
a transitional government to take over.

"In that kind of arrangement -- I am sorry to say -- I will
fight because it's unconstitutional," Ramos said.

But he added another scenario would be the withdrawal by the
military and police establishments of their support for Estrada,
who serves as their commander in chief.