Leader of Failed Anti-Aquino Coup Charged With Rebellion
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MANILA — The leader of a failed revolt has refused to swear allegiance to the government of President Corazon Aquino and will be charged with rebellion, the justice minister said today.
Former Sen. Arturo Tolentino, who earlier this month led an abortive 36-hour coup in the name of ousted President Ferdinand E. Marcos, had until today to pledge allegiance.
Tolentino refused and Justice Minister Neptali Gonzales said the government had no choice but to file the rebellion charges against him and 39 close associates.
Tolentino, Marcos’ vice presidential running mate in the fraudulent Feb. 7 elections, had himself sworn in as “acting president” July 6, formed a breakaway government and took over the elegant Manila Hotel.
Gonzales said that during the short-lived rebellion, Marcos telephoned former Assemblyman Rafael Recto from his Hawaiian exile and ordered his supporters to persuade Washington that the Philippines needed him.
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