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.