Senators divided on Rody’s revolutionary government threat

MANILA, Philippines — Senators continue to have mixed reactions on President Duterte’s warning that he might declare a revolutionary government to quell destabilization attempts against his administration.

Sen. Sonny Angara hopes Duterte will not pursue it as “we will all lose” if the threat is made good, while Sen. Risa Hontiveros said it is only borne out of the President’s desire to establish an authoritarian government.

“Let’s call on all political forces to work for the nation. Extra constitutional methods to seize power or maintain power have not worked well for us in the past and would surely be damaging in the future,” Angara said.

But Sen. Panfilo Lacson was not bothered, pointing out that the public should, by now, get accustomed to Duterte’s “impulsive” remarks.

“I don’t believe he will declare a revolutionary government – not now, not anytime during his term. He knows he won’t and can’t do it. Having said that, there’s no point reacting negatively or otherwise to such and other similar pronouncements,” Lacson said.

Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said Duterte should be given the benefit of the doubt when he made such a statement as his office receives all kinds of sensitive information.

“He probably feels the country’s stability could be in jeopardy that’s why he is thinking of ways to protect it just in case. It’s merely an idea at this point and I have no reason to be wary about it,” Sotto said.

Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, a minority bloc member, called on members of government to work together for political stability in the country, “despite differences in opinion and political color, as political uncertainty will not benefit the country.”

“While we disagree with some policies of the administration, we don’t want trouble for our country. Destabilization and political uncertainty are not good for anyone,” Aquino said.

He urged Duterte not to equate dissent with destabilization, saying that speaking from the heart about political issues and even expressing outrage does not signify an intent to destabilize.

Aquino also called on Malacañang to respect the various voices and opinions on contentious policies like the war on drugs, as he warned that a revolutionary government may only lead to increased political instability, a fragile democracy and a weaker economy. – With Perseus Echeminada