'Danny LIm' ad 1st salvo for Senate run

By Jocelyn UyPhilippine Daily Inquirer, MANILA, Philippines

—It isn't a call to arms, but a signal to the people that they want a "moral leader" in the halls of power, installed not by extralegal means but through the 2010 elections.

That was how a reformist bloc composed of civilian professionals and active and retired military officers Monday explained the full-page advertisement that appeared in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Monday declaring they were united "under the leadership" of detained Army Brig. Gen. Danilo "Danny" Lim.

"We are telling the people that they should consider Danny Lim as an emerging new leader, which will not be attained through extralegal means," Ernesto Macahiya, president of one of the groups, the Guardians Nationalist of the Philippines (Ganap), said on the phone.

"We intend to nominate him for senator either with the opposition or to run as an independent," said Macahiya, who described himself as a "retired banker."

Lim, detained since 2006 for alleged involvement in plots to unseat President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, is "entertaining that suggestion," according to his lawyer, Vicente Verdadero.

In a statement sent through Verdadero, Lim said: "Not one to shirk away from challenges and responsibilities, I accept the mantle of leadership bestowed upon me."

Malacañang probe

Verdadero said the advertisement came as a surprise to Lim. "He was not aware that there was an initiative of this kind," he said.

The signatories in the ad included detained Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, a former Navy officer.
The signatories in the ad – which cost P176,229 to put out – included active officers linked to the Oakwood Mutiny in July 2003, the Marine standoff in February 2006 and the Peninsula Manila hotel siege in November 2007, who are now held at Camp Aguinaldo and Camp Crame.

The ad has spurred an investigation by Malacañang.

Lorelei Fajardo, deputy presidential spokesperson, said a legal team was particularly checking if military officers on active duty were involved in the statement of support for Lim.
Not a threat

Fajardo said the Palace investigation would determine possible cases that could be filed against signatories who are still members of the armed forces.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said he was not considering the supposed statement of support for Lim as a "threat to the unity of the Armed Forces behind the chain of command."
"We have proven the unity of the Armed Forces behind the chain of command," Teodoro told reporters.

"What's important to us is that no military personnel in active duty is supporting him," he said.
"(The ad) is a political statement coming from some groups that have the freedom to express their sentiments."

Gomez disowns ad

One of the supposed signatories, retired Maj. Gen. Johnny Gomez, Monday sent to Hermogenes Esperon, presidential management staff chief, a text message denying any hand in the advertisement.

"Be informed that I have not joined the group of Danny Lim nor am I one of those who officially declared that 'we are formally united under the leadership of B/Gen. Danilo 'Danny' Lim," a Malacañang statement quoted Gomez as saying.

In the paid advertisement, the signatories said they had agreed to unite under Lim's leadership for his "impeccable character."

"He has the essential leadership qualities to steer us towards our vision; he has consistently displayed uncommon valor and patriotism in the face of extremely difficult situations," according to the ad.

Fed up with 'trapos'

The ad was initiated by several reformist groups including the Guardians, Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabayan (RAM), Bagong Katipunan, the Magdalo and the Samahang Magdalo group, Macahiya said.

"We all look up to him as the moral leader who was not corrupted by this regime," Capt. Ruben Guinolbay said, responding to written questions. He is currently detained at Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal.

Lt. Col. Achilles Segumalian, a former battalion commander deployed in Mindanao, said what the country needed in the coming elections was an honest leader like Lim.

"We are supporting him because we're fed up with traditional politicians who only work for their personal desires," Scout Ranger Maj. Jason Aquino, another signatory, said.

Segumalian and Aquino, both detained at Camp Aguinaldo, spoke through lawyer Trixie Angeles.

Other retired officers who signified their support for Lim included Lt. Gen. Romeo Dominguez, former Northern Luzon commanding general.

Sen. Rodolfo Biazon, a former Armed Forces chief of staff, said he had heard as early as two weeks ago from young military officers that Lim was running for the Senate in 2010.

He said it was Lim's right to run for office if he wanted to.

"But he has to make a lot of noise to get attention,” Biazon said.

With reports from Christian V. Espiritu, Christine O. Avendano, and Leila B. Salaverria.

(Comment: I still prefer a civilian President than someone who comes from the military. This issue is very sensitive to Filipinos. Mr. Lim should run as my vice-president instead. Though I personally advocate for a strong military, I am not sold out to a military personality to run the government).