MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Monday said there were “obvious moves” from partisan groups to overthrow the government.

In a chance interview, Lacson said he received text messages urging him to join the planned civilian-military junta. But he ignored it because “it’s unconstitutional.”

“It’s short of confirming that there’s such a move but only on the part of some retired military and PNP (Philippine National Police) officials,” he said.

Lacson said the planned coup against the administration escalated before the Iglesia Ni Cristo prayer rally and before Zaldy Co appeared on social media and released videos linking President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the flood control fund scandal.

Sen. Erwin Tulfo, meanwhile, said the establishment of a civil-military council will not succeed without the support of the Church and civil society.

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Tulfo said the call for the creation of a civilian-military council will not create any traction unless it has the support from the Church.