Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin criticized Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s call on the military to take part in correcting what the latter described as a “fractured” governance in the Philippines.
In a statement Bersamin said Duterte’s pronouncement is filled with selfish motive that could benefit her daughter Vice President Sara Duterte.
“No motive is more selfish than calling a sitting president to be overthrown so that your daughter can take over”. Bersamin said.
Bersamin described Duterte’s statement as going “to great and evil lengths by insulting the professional armed forces by asking them to betray their oath for his plan to succeed”.
The executive secretary said Duterte should respect the Constitution, not disobey it and desist from being irresponsible as he has become.
Bersamin decried the former president’s call to the military to launch a coup plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
” This administration will not shirk from its sworn duty to govern and manage the affairs of the Filipino Nation according to the Constitution and Rule of Law.” Bersamin stressed.
He added that the government will defend its legacy before the Filipino people only by lawful means and the state will act resolutely to go against all unlawful attempts and challenges.
” Hindi katanggap tanggap ang marahas na pang aagaw ng kapangyarihan upang madaling maluklok bilang pangulo sa pamamagitan ng pagpaslang, panggugulo at pag-aalsa“. the statement further stated.
Prior to this, Duterte issued a statement saying only the military can correct wrongdoings in the present government while he disagreed on those who call for a mass mobilization as a solution.
“Nobody can correct Marcos, nobody can correct Romualdez…If we want redress or grievance there is no urgent remedy it is only the military’ Duterte said.
(PPA Pool photo)
Abner is an award-winning journalist. He received the prestigious 2015 Titus Brandsma Award for Community Communication in the Philippines and participated in the 2016 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of the United States of America, sponsored by the US Embassy in the Philippines. Founder of WATCH NORTH COTABATO, a media-citizens’ transparency group. He worked as a correspondent for the Philippine Daily Inquirer and CNN Philippines. His experience in broadcasting includes anchoring for Brigada News FM in Kidapawan and General Santos City and Brigada News TV. He anchors Tira Brigada via 105.1 Brigada News FM Manila, Mondays-Saturdays.