Meanwhile, MRRD-NECC National Deputy Spokesperson Bobby Brillante said that he understands the response from government regarding the group’s proposal of a revolutionary government.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 24) — President Rodrigo Duterte is unlikely to stay in office beyond his term in 2022 despite appeals from supporters to lead a revolutionary government, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Monday.
“Nilinaw natin na ang Presidente natin ay pinuno ng isang constitutional government at hindi po natin kinakailangan ang revolutionary government sa ngayon,” Roque told reporters during his briefing.
[Translation: We have already clarified that the President is heading a constitutional government so we do not need a revolutionary government for now.]
“Come 2022, he is welcoming transferring reign of power to his duly-elected successor,” Roque added.
“Kung kayo po ay nagkakaroon ng agam-agam na he (Duterte) will stay beyond his term, that is the farthest from the mind of the President and I can assure you that po,” he added, reiterating that the administration’s current focus is on the pandemic.
[Translation: If the public is worried that Duterte will stay beyond his term, that is the farthest from the mind of the President and I can assure you that.]
Critics, including public officials, took a swipe at the call of the Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte-National Executive Coordinating Committee last week to have a revolutionary government and fast-track federalism before the President’s term ends in 2022.
Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya told CNN Philippines on Monday that the group never consulted them regarding the validity of such a proposal.
Vice President Leni Robredo had also called the move “illegal” and “nonsense” as a subject of attention amid the ongoing crisis.
Roque noted, however, that despite such an appeal not being among any constitutional option, this does not mean that Duterte will drop his push for federalism.
Duterte had previously campaigned on a promise to shift to a federal form of government to spur development in the provinces, but has not actively hinted on his next steps to push federalism in the past years.
Lawmakers from the House and Senate have also not tackled any charter amendments since session resumed, stressing that their focus is on the government’s COVID-19 fight for the meantime.
“Dapat lang naman. Bakit naman nila kami susuportahan? This is a people-initiated movement. Our purpose is to transform the political system,” he told CNN Philippines.
[Translation: That’s right. Why would they support us? This is a people-initiated movement. Our purpose is to transform the political system.]
