Leni warns officials backing revolutionary government

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo yesterday warned officials who would attend rallies supporting the revolutionary government that they may be held liable for rebelling against the 1987 Constitution.

The Liberal Party (LP), which Robredo chairs, and militant groups also questioned the motive behind calls for a revolutionary government, which they said could only lead to martial law or authoritarian rule.

Robredo attended the Bonifacio Day celebrations at Monumento Circle, Caloocan City to commemorate the 154th birthday of Andres Bonifacio, who led a revolution against Spanish colonial rule.

On the sidelines of the event, Robredo said it was bothersome to hear officials calling for a revolutionary government as this was against existing laws.

“The question here is, will those who would join the rallies be held legally… liable? Because that’s rebellion against the Constitution… against the government,” Robredo said.

Robredo said she even heard reports in the third district of Camarines Sur, where she once served as House representative, that a retired military officer was calling on barangay officials to support the call.

These village officials were told that they would be appointed as local officials by President Duterte after he declares a revolutionary government, Robredo said.

“Actually, hindi siya unang pagkakataon na narinig natin (This is not the first time that we heard about it),” Robredo said.

She did not name names, however, adding that she would take the word of Duterte that he would not declare a revolutionary government. 

The Department of the Interior and Local Government has also belied it has sanctioned barangay officials to support the call, Robredo said.

Duterte earlier said he would only declare a revolutionary government to thwart destabilization plots – but later clarified that he would only do so if the moves against his administration would cause chaos.

“I’d like to hold on to the President’s statement that he would not declare martial law all over the country, or a revolutionary government. It will put to rest all speculation that he might declare,” Robredo said.

The country’s second top leader added she and Duterte swore allegiance to the Constitution and it would then be an “ironic situation” to rebel against one’s own government and its Charter.

Disguise for ML?

The LP called for an end to talks about a revolutionary government, which it said “cheapens the gallantry and sacrifices of our heroes who have fought for self-determination and social order, freedom and democracy now being enjoyed by Filipinos.” 

In a statement on Bonifacio Day, the LP said the “phantom” of chaos, destabilization and ouster of the current administration can be addressed under the present Constitution.”

“A revolutionary government is not an option under the Constitution, unless the real intention is authoritarian rule, which will bring us back to the dark ages,” the LP stated. – With Mayen Jaymalin, Marvin Sy, Romina Cabrera