MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte said he will suspend his critics’ privilege of writ of habeas corpus, order their arrest and declare a “revolutionary war” until the end of his term.
This came after opposition Sen. Franklin Drilon made a comment on Thursday that the President must be cautious in cancelling contracts the government has entered into with private firms and foreign countries.
In a speech in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan later that day, Duterte asked why he should be careful in rescinding contracts which contain provisions that are detrimental to the public interest.
“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,” the President said. “So you think I will allow it, just because we cannot impair the obligation of our contracts? Be careful of legalities of what? How dare you say that to me Mr. Drilon?”
The Ilonggo senator said contracts have agreements that could constitute a breach of the country’s obligations. Such breach would have legal and financial implications, he added.
Duterte said he will not think twice of suspending the writ of habeas corpus until the end of his term if he is “pushed to the wall.”
He said: “I have enough problems with criminality, drugs, rebellion and all pero pag ako ang pinaabot ninyo ng sagad, I will declare the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus and I will arrest all of you.”
The President added: “Kasama kayo sa mga rebelde, mga kriminal pati ang mga durogista. Then pahirapan mo ako? I will declare a revolutionary war until the end of my term, then pasensyahan tayo.”
Meanwhile, opposition senatorial bet Romulo Macalintal said Vice President Leni Robredo will emerge as the country’s president if Duterte will create a breakaway revolutionary government.
Macalintal, who is Robredo’s counsel in an ongoing election protest, said the leadership hierarchy must be followed in such an event as mandated under the 1987 Constitution.
“Once Duterte proclaims a revolutionary government, he ceases to be president having divested himself of the Presidency,” Macalintal said. “It means that Duterte becomes the leader of a revolutionary government while Robredo becomes the leader of the republic.”
He added: “If President Duterte suspends such privilege, then he is still adhering to the provisions of our constitution, which is inconsistent with his revolutionary government, which has no charter at all.”
Duterte previously said there is a possibility for a revolutionary government if the country fell into chaos due his critics’ attempts of overthrowing him./PN
