THE Armed Forces leadership downplayed on Wednesday the reported plot by members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1978 to wrest control of the armed services, a move that is reportedly being supported by Malacañang, whose alleged goal is to scuttle next year’s elections.

Gen. Victor Ibrado, Armed Forces chief of staff, said the reported “Oplan August Moon” that is supposed to be implemented next month, is an “old issue that was concocted by some people who just wanted to make some noise.”

Partymates of presidential aspirant Sen. Benigno Aquino “Noynoy” Aquino III tried to block on Wednesday the investigation into the P250- million tollway scandal involving the Liberal Party’s standard-bearer, citing alleged “political overtones.”

THE ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD has picked its “initial” senatorial bets, consisting of two reelectionist senators, two Cabinet officials, a business leader from the Filipino-Chinese community, a local chief executive and a radio personality, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said on Wednesday.

Ermita, the interim Lakas-Kampi- CMD president, announced the selection of reelectionist Sens. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Manuel “Lito” Lapid, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Cabinet Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Binalonan (Pangasinan) Mayor Ramon Guico, radio broadcaster Rey Langit and Jesus Arranza, president of the Federation of Philippine Industries.