Opposition raises alarm over proposed revolutionary gov't
President Rodrigo Duterte had warned that he would declare a revolutionary government if "things go out of control." Presidential Photo/Ace Morandante, file
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Francis Pangilinan, president of the Liberal Party, expressed concerns following the pronouncements of President Rodrigo Duterte on declaring a revolutionary government.
In a statement released Monday, Pangilinan warned that a revolutionary government and a dictatorship are the same.
"No more democracy, freedom of the press and freedom of speech," Pangilinan said.
On Saturday, Duterte said he would declare a revolutionary government if "things go out of control" and that he would declare all state posts vacant due to alleged destabilization plots against him.
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There would be no more elections if Duterte pushes through with his threat as there would only be term extension for incumbents and appointments, the opposition leader said.
"No more hindrance to sell our lands and seas to China," Pangilinan said.
No one can express dissent to the government's wrongdoings as those who oppose will be imprisoned.
The senator added that this would result in "unparalleled abuse, killings and corruption."
"Just like the excessively abusive war against drugs, (revolutionary government) will be abusive as well," the senator said.
The Philippines last suffered a dictatorship during the regime of the late Ferdinand Marcos, who ruled the country for 20 years until he was ousted in 1986.
Marcos imposed martial law on the Philippines from 1972 to 1981. He died in the US without facing trial for criminal charges that he plundered more than $100 million from the country in his two decades in power.
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