Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to declare a “revolutionary war” and arrest his critics until the end of his term.
In a speech on Thursday, April 4, the president warned that he would suspend the writ of habeas corpus and go after those who dare critique his methods to end criminality.
“I have enough problems with criminality, drugs, rebellion and all, pero pag ako ang pinaabot ninyo nang sagad (if you go too far), I will declare a suspension of the writ of habeas corpus and I will arrest all of you),” Duterte said.
The strong-mouthed president warned that he would tag his critics as rebels, criminals and drug addicts should they continue to publicly call out and contradict his decisions. He said that he would act upon those threats “if pushed against the wall.”
“Kasama kayo sa mga rebelde, mga kriminal, pati mga durugista. Then pahirapan mo ako (You will be at par with rebels, criminals and drug addicts. If you make it hard for me), I will declare a revolutionary war until the end of my term. Then pasensiyahan tayo (you have to bear with this),” he added.
The leader’s remarks come in light of Senate Franklin Drilon’s advice for the government to be cautious in reviewing and signing deals.
“Why should I be careful in reviewing contracts that are not in the interest of the people? And the onerous and (burdensome) provisions there that the people will have to honor, so you think I will allow it? Just because we cannot impair the obligation of our contracts?” the president said.
Such response came a day after Duterte met with the country’s top businesspeople to discuss government contracts with private sectors to ensure that the deals made were at the best interest of the public.
Among those present were Manuel Pangilinan of First Pacific Co. Ltd.; Hans Sy of the SM Group; Robina Gokongwei-Pe of Robinsons Retail Holdings; Alice Eduardo of Sta. Elena Construction and Development Corp.; Christian Razon Gonzalez of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. and Dennis Uy of Udenna Corp.
Government officials also participated in the meeting namely Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and presidential adviser for entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion III.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo emphasized that the move to ensure that the government deals were secured tops the priority list of the president. He clarified that Duterte was stating such to protect the interest of the public despite criticisms from the opposition.
“You cannot prevent the government from intervening. It can intervene in anything. As President, it is his duty not only to serve the country but to protect the interest of the public,” Panelo explained.
“The problem with critics is it’s hard to understand them. If you did not do anything, they will mock you. If you do something, they will ask, ‘Why only now?’” Panelo said in Filipino during a radio interview on dzMM.
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III maintained that the president’s threat to declare a revolutionary war was nothing but a metaphor. He said that the public should not be alarmed since Duterte only said it out of frustration.
“Suspension of the writ has proper Constitutional safeguards while a revolutionary war is a metaphor. He is just frustrated. I’m sure he will have a better outlook once his programs vs criminality become more successful,” Sotto said in a message to the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said that Duterte understands the boundaries of his powers as president.
“As a lawyer, the president knows the scope and limitations of his constitutional powers and he will always act in accordance therewith,” Guevarra said, adding “only the factual circumstances actually obtaining at the time will determine whether the President’s actions are in accordance with the constitution.”
