‘Government self-destructing, no need for coup’

MANILA, Philippines – There is no need for the Duterte administration to worry about a possible coup plot, since it is already doing an excellent job at self-destruction, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV said yesterday.

Trillanes, a former naval officer, said he has not heard about any movement against the administration, which was why he has no idea where the rumors of an alleged coup plot originated.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines had said it is taking the reports of a brewing coup seriously, though it also has no clue as to their origin or credibility.

“That is not true. There is no need to stage a coup against this government because it is doing fine on its own,” Trillanes said yesterday.

“They are self-destructing. What’s unfortunate is they’re dragging the whole country down,” he added.

Since assuming office last June 30, President Duterte has initiated a brutal and bloody campaign against illegal drugs.

More than 3,500 people have died in his unprecedented crackdown, drawing widespread international condemnation over an apparent wave of extrajudicial killings.

Critics are alarmed at the sheer number of deaths attributed to vigilantes, with Duterte’s apparent support.

Allies of the administration have blamed the Senate inquiry on extrajudicial killings initiated by Sen. Leila de Lima for the negative coverage of the country.

De Lima said the bad press is not her doing, but is due to the unabated killings taking place in the country, an opinion shared by Trillanes.

“Now they are telling us that the hearings are the source of the negativity here in the Philippines. That is not the case, it is the President. He has the habit of foul-mouthing his critics,” Trillanes said.

Sen. Richard Gordon on Monday said Duterte is becoming “too noisy” in his repeated pronouncements that he hates illegal drugs.

He said Duterte should not say he would kill drug offenders.

“That’s not right. He is falling on his own sword, tripping on his own sword because he talks and talks so the country is being accused, that is what’s happening,” Gordon said.

He said Duterte’s repeated endorsements of the killing of drug suspects if they resist arrest has led to a misconception that he is supporting the use of unnecessary violence. – With Christina Mendez, Gilbert Bayoran