San Miguel Corporation chair and CEO Ramon S. Ang on Thursday rejected persistent rumors casting him as a possible “consensus caretaker” in the event of a military junta–led “government reset,” even as Malacañang issued a separate warning against alleged destabilization players that could threaten the Marcos administration.
Ang has been floated in business circles as a potential civilian figure to stabilize the economy should a military-backed transition emerge amid the corruption scandals shaking the government.
Whispers in the private sector have described a supposed alternative to a traditional coup d’état — one that would install a business-backed caretaker to keep the markets steady.
In a statement, Ang said he was aware of the rumors. “I have been getting many messages today, and I also saw the story that has been circulating. Let me put things to rest: I am not entering politics,” he said.
“Most people know me as someone who works quietly in business, building projects, fixing what I can, and supporting the government and communities. That is where I believe I can contribute the most, and that is where I intend to stay,” he stressed.
He acknowledged the difficult political climate and the public’s demand for accountability. “Our country is facing many challenges, and it is understandable that people want things resolved quickly. But moving forward will never depend on one individual. It will take the government, the private sector, and the public all moving in the same direction,” he said.
“My focus is to support that effort. I will be a dependable partner in building our country, nothing more,” he added.
In a separate briefing on the same day, Ang denied the rumors.
Malacañang warned that supposed foreign-funded destabilization efforts, if verified, could constitute an act of treason.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Armed Forces of the Philippines is coordinating with the Philippine National Police to assess whether certain rallies or movements have foreign financial backing.
Act of treason
“If this is indeed true… and their investigation shows that the rallies being held are foreign-funded, we can say this is an act of treason against the nation,” Castro said, adding that any foreign interference in Philippine politics is “not appropriate” and “not good.”
Castro said the AFP continues to monitor potential activities that could harm the national interest.
“Anything that harms the interest of the country should be further investigated,” she said. “The AFP is continuously monitoring this matter.”
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla earlier denied claims of unrest within the military, saying there were “no signs” of destabilization.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines is whole. We are united, we remain professional, and our allegiance is to the Constitution and to the flag,” she said.