Duterte calls on military amid governance crisis: “protect the constitute”

His remarks, made during a late-night press briefing on November 26, come against the backdrop of an escalating political feud involving his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

“There is fractured governance in the Philippines right now. Nobody can correct Marcos, nobody can correct [House Speaker Martin] Romualdez. There is no urgent remedy. It is only the military who can correct it,” Duterte stated.

The former president’s comments highlight growing tensions in the country’s political landscape, as he questioned whether the military would continue to support a leader he accused of substance abuse.

RENEWED ALLEGATIONS AGAINST MARCOS

Duterte reiterated his long-standing claim that President Marcos is “bangag” or under the influence of illegal drugs.

This accusation, which he first raised in January by alleging that Marcos’ name appeared on a Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) watchlist, has been repeatedly denied by the PDEA.

In response, Marcos previously accused Duterte of being dependent on fentanyl, intensifying their public conflict.

Adding to his criticisms, Duterte accused Marcos’ special assistant, Antonio Lagdameo Jr., of involvement in illegal activities. While these claims remain unverified, they contribute to the political drama gripping the nation.

AN APPEAL TO MILITARY DUTY

Duterte directly addressed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), invoking their constitutional mandate.

“If they are protectors of the Constitution, are they willing to still protect the President, who’s a drug addict, for another four years?” he asked. Quoting Article III, Section 4 of the Constitution, he emphasized the public’s right to seek redress of grievances and called on the military to ensure these freedoms are upheld.

“Mr. General, the military… the right of the people to seek redress of grievance, kayo lang ang makabigay niyan ngayon,” Duterte declared.

“Protect the right of information, allow us to use it, and address the abuses of government.”

POLITICAL RIFT BETWEEN SARA DUTERTE AND MARCOS

The already strained political relationship between Vice President Sara Duterte and President Marcos has reached new levels of hostility.

The Vice President recently delivered a fiery Zoom press conference in which she accused First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Speaker Romualdez of financial improprieties.

Her remarks followed a House investigation into the alleged misuse of confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).

“May kinausap na ako na tao. Sinabi ko sa kanya, ‘Pag pinatay ako, patayin mo si BBM, si Liza Araneta, at si Martin Romualdez. No joke. No joke,’” she claimed, recalling an alleged arrangement with a hired assassin.

Her statements have drawn widespread condemnation and fueled speculations of deep divisions within the administration.

MILITARY AFFIRMS NEUTRALITY

In light of Duterte’s comments, the AFP has reiterated its commitment to remaining neutral and upholding the Constitution. AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. assured the public that the military would not be swayed by political discord.

“As soldiers, we should not be shaken by this,” Brawner said during the launch of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women 2024. He emphasized that the AFP’s loyalty lies with the country, the flag, and the Constitution.

AFP Spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla echoed this sentiment, stating, “Our loyalty is to the flag and to the Constitution. We adhere to the chain of command.” She also cited a recent OCTA Research survey showing high public trust in the AFP.

UNITEAM ALLIANCE UNRAVELS

The Duterte-Marcos alliance, which secured a landslide victory in the 2022 elections, is showing visible cracks. Analysts trace the tensions back to Marcos’ decision to appoint Sara as DepEd Secretary instead of her preferred post in the Department of National Defense.

The removal of confidential funds from the OVP and DepEd by the Romualdez-led House has further strained their relationship.

As Duterte sharpens his criticisms of the Marcos administration, political observers warn that the feud could have significant implications for national governance.

For now, attention remains focused on the military’s role as a stabilizing force in a politically charged environment.