MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte once again urged the state security forces not to stage a coup d’état against the government during his term and just instead approach him.
In a speech during the 72nd anniversary of the Philippine Air Force, Duterte said he believes that the issue of corruption will one day spur the soldiers and police officers to launch a coup.
“I know that the Armed Forces and the Police will have to decide one day somehow. Do not do it please during my term,” the President said. “I told you before all you have to do kung ayaw ninyo ako, do not bring your weapons and mechanized armors there. Just call me and we’ll have coffee and I am ready to say, ‘It’s yours for the taking’.”
Duterte also reminded the soldiers that he always approved the requests of his military commanders to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“During my time, I have never said ‘no’ to any of the commanders and to Delfin Lorenzana at kay Secretary Esperon. All the things that they wanted for our Armed Forces pati ang pulis,” he said.
It was not the first time that the President touched the topic of coup. In September 2018, he said the military and police could seize power from him without staging a coup.
Five months ago, Duterte was confident that the military would not oust him but has advised those who plan to stage a coup to hand over the power to “bright” military men, policemen or executives and not to his rivals in politics./PN
