Manila, Oct 17: A civilian commission today concluded that a July coup attempt was rooted in corruption and politicization of the Philippine military, and warned that the armed forces ``could implode and collapse with unpredictable consequences'' if the causes are not addressed. The commission, appointed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and led by retired Supreme Court Justice Florentino Feliciano, said the July 27 takeover of a ritzy residential and shopping complex in Manila's financial district by more than 300 junior officers was not spontaneous, as the mutineers claimed.
It backed earlier government intelligence reports that the group was intent on seizing power by restoring ousted President Joseph Estrada for three days and appointing a 15-member governing council. It noted the mutineers had civilian support in groups associated with the disgraced ex-leader, who is on trial for massive corruption, and Senator Gregorio Honasan, who led several coup attempts against former President Corazon Aquino and has been charged with rebellion for the July uprising. Bureau Report